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Start at the Poppaghia Forest House (elevation 1,076 m), on the road (D84) leading from the village of Albertacce to the Col de Vergio.
Yellow markings missing in places
(S/E) Take the path leading into the forest (east) towards the lake (signpost). Walk gently uphill, skirting the Crête d’Orsu Longu. Near a river (Ruisseau de Colga on the map), the path joins a forest track.
(1) Cross the track and continue due south through the pine forest, following the river. Take care not to lose the path. You’ll come to a path running at right angles (Chemin de Ronde de Valdu Niellu on the map).
(2) Take the Chemin de Ronde on the left for about fifty metres. Then leave this path and take the track on the right which continues southwards. Pass close to the Bergeries de Colga (on your right).
(3) Head south-east uphill. The landscape becomes very rocky, the slope steepens considerably and you’ll be walking over large slabs of rock. Keep a close eye out for the cairns, which are more common than the signposts.
(4) Follow a rocky gully (which is not difficult) and continue southwards to a pass known as Bocca â Stazzona.
(5) Lake Nino is nearby and clearly visible to the south-east. Descend gently towards the lake and reach its far end by skirting its eastern shore.
(6) The descent follows the same route as the ascent (S/E).
Alternative route – It is also possible to walk round the lake along its western shore (GR®®20) and then reach the Bocca â Stazzona pass by turning off to the right. This alternative route should be avoided in foggy conditions.
The description and previous reviews are perfectly accurate: a fairly easy climb through shady woods to the Colga sheepfolds. After that it's a steep climb with a few easy sections where you have to use your hands, but nothing too dangerous or strenuous. Don't hesitate to take your time and climb slowly, pausing regularly to take a breather and observe the scenery. The signposting is quite good and there are plenty of cairns, so there's no need to worry about orientation, but you need to keep your wits about you and once again take your time. I also got caught out on the way back to point 2 by staying too far to the right (see elway22's comment).
Visorando Member
Association / Club / Walk leader
Moderate 
Very difficult 
