The Riviseccu Sheepfolds (Rivisecco)

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These sheepfolds, which are in very good condition, mark the end of a forest area. The group of sheepfolds forms a small hamlet of several well-restored huts. The surroundings are magnificent, with large rock formations and the Riviseccu stream.

Shaded throughout, the route follows an old forest track that climbs gradually through a forest where beech trees are omnipresent, in contrast to the Laricio pine trees along the stream.

Details

n°2645741
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.58 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,814 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,798 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,183 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,421 ft
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Riviseccu sheepfolds
Around the sheepfolds
Les Bergeries
The Riviseccu Sheepfolds (Rivisecco)

Description of the walk

Set off into the Restonica Valley via the D623; it’s about 1.1 km on the left after the Tuani campsite and the Chapelle des Grecs (ruins). At an altitude of 785 metres, leave the road and take a track that descends to the left and crosses the Restonica via a small footbridge.

Please note that parking in the Restonica Valley is restricted. Do not park in passing places (even if the view is magnificent). Park in the small car park (arrive early in the morning).

(S/E) Walk back up the road until you come to a track on your left that is only passable by 4x4 vehicles.

(1) Take this forest track, heading down towards a footbridge spanning the Restonica.

(2) Cross the footbridge and ignore the path on the left. There is an old sign on a rock to your left; look carefully, as it is barely visible.

Continue along the stony track with the Riviseccu stream on your right. The track climbs in steps towards a second footbridge spanning the Riviseccu (Rivisecco).

(3) Cross it, turn left and carry on towards the sheepfolds, with the Riviseccu stream now on your left.

(4) Before reaching the Riviseccu sheepfolds, you may come across the remains of an old Ceirano 47 lorry dating from the Second World War.

(5) Continue towards a grassy plateau, a clearing.

(6) An ideal spot for a break. Carry on to the Riviseccu sheepfolds, where there is a tapped spring.

Follow the same route back up to return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,421 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.54 - alt. 2,572 ft - 4x4 forest track
  3. 2 : mi 0.68 - alt. 2,493 ft - Footbridge over the Restonica
  4. 3 : mi 1.4 - alt. 2,927 ft - Footbridge over the Riviseccu
  5. 4 : mi 2.08 - alt. 3,537 ft - Remains of an old lorry
  6. 5 : mi 2.33 - alt. 3,799 ft - Straight ahead towards a grassy plateau
  7. 6 : mi 2.63 - alt. 4,072 ft - Grassy plateaus, an invitation to take a break
  8. S/E : mi 5.58 - alt. 2,421 ft - Car park

Notes

- Water source at Rivisecco, a plentiful water point near the sheepfolds.

Water source coordinates: Altitude: 1,280 m, Longitude: 9.07602, Latitude: 42.2396.

- You’ll need to be physically fit, and you’ll need hiking boots and a walking stick, not to mention water.

- Please bring the IGN map: 4251OT.

- Route recorded using a Twonav Sportiva 2 GPS.

Mountain distress signals: link https://cdn-utrail.pressidium.com/wp-con...

https://www.trekmag.com/les-3-signaux-de...

If a helicopter flies overhead, raise both arms in a Y shape, which means ‘Yes’ and is a request for assistance. Raise your right arm and keep your left arm by your side, which means ‘No’ – you do not need help.

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
Sam_
Sam_

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, uncrowded hike. It climbs steadily but without any particular difficulty. You walk alongside the river the whole way, arriving at the sheepfolds, an ideal spot for a picnic and a quick nap before heading back down. There are several places to swim. If taking the shuttle bus (recommended), get off at the Riviseccu stop, which takes you directly to point 1 of the route.

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dollerien
dollerien

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Please note that access to the Restonica Valley is restricted!
Hikers are advised to use the shuttle service provided
otherwise the Tuani "terminus" car park will quickly become full.

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Régis14
Régis14

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A leisurely hike through the woods and along the river.
Best done when it's warm or as a half-day outing, as we completed the round trip in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
A little disappointed when we arrived at the sheepfolds, which weren't very interesting.
However, it can be combined with a swim at the starting point 😅

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GPL66
GPL66

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike. Slight difficulty finding the river crossing. Worth doing all the way to the end to see the very isolated sheepfolds.

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Incantesimu
Incantesimu

Hello,

This is not the Taviani campsite but the Tuani campsite. Please be careful not to mislead hikers. Thank you for correcting this. I still maintain that it is 1,279 km. Besides, I don't think we're 800 m off, especially since you have to drive to get to this car park.

Kind regards

Incantesimu

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Bernard Maugiron
Bernard Maugiron

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very nice hike.
One clarification: the two parking spots on the right just below the trailhead are located 2 km after the Taviani campsite (not 1.1 km).
Climb through the forest, cooled by the stream, and enjoy beautiful lawns where you can rest. You can also continue on towards the Spiscie sheepfold.

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Incantesimu
Incantesimu
• Edited:

Good evening,
Did you follow my directions correctly? There is a small car park at the location indicated. 42º15.828'N 009º05.389'E

Which footbridge are you referring to? Very disappointing, I doubt it. Just look at the comments from other hikers.
You need to learn how to read a map so you don't get lost or can find a starting point.

Kind regards

Incantesimu

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BAMX
BAMX

Overall rating : 1 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : Not used / Not applicable
Very busy route : No

Impossible to find the start. What's more, the footbridge has been destroyed. An update would be a good idea!!!!

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Nicole Monf.
Nicole Monf.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful walk in the cool spring air along a rushing stream.
The path is clear, wide and well marked, mostly running through the shade.

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Thauber
Thauber

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 01, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike to the Riviseccu sheepfolds... For the more athletic, climb up to the Spicie sheepfolds. The path is less well marked and passes by a beautiful waterfall.
Allow an extra hour and a half to climb up and a good hour to come back down.

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jsjess
jsjess

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We did this hike and didn't meet anyone. No technical difficulties except for the continuous climb up to the sheepfolds! Lots of stones on the paths. It was a treat to discover this cool water when we arrived, and perfect for a picnic on the way back down next to the footbridge. Perhaps a little monotonous.

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kallistee
kallistee
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Thank you!

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lionel20600
lionel20600
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 04, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike. There is only one sign at the start, just after the footbridge over the Restonica, then you just follow the path to the end. There are no markings. The sheepfolds are located in a magnificent cirque. It takes two hours to climb at a leisurely pace.

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