Monte d’Oro

(S/E) From Vizzavona station, you’ll easily find the path which starts on the^GR®20, as it’s well signposted.

(1) Just after the first footbridge, take the second one on your right, then follow the path heading north, marked with yellow dots. A sign reads: Bergeries de Pozzatelli. You’ll cross the forest track several times on this steeply ascending section. You’ll reach a flat area below the Bocca di Pozzi, where there’s a spring hidden beneath some boulders. It’s marked by a sign and an inscription painted on a rock.

(2) Continue along the path to the Couloir de la Scala.

(3) The climb here is quite steep; at times you’ll need to use your hands. The path winds its way through boulders from which water trickles. Snow may also remain until early summer. You’ll reach a dip below Pratu Scampicciolu.

(4) Continue towards the summit and skirt round it to the south. After crossing some boulders, you’ll reach a grassy ledge on a ridge.

(5) To reach the summit, you must approach the summit bastion from the east, starting from the grassy plateau. The ascent involves climbing over large boulders, including some moves up a chimney. Some boulders are loose, so take care. One final, slightly challenging step and you’ll catch sight of the summit cross!

(6) Descend by downclimbing, then return to the path junction.

(5) The next section takes you through a field of boulders where you’ll need to use your hands a little. You’ll arrive at the small pass known as Bocca di Porco.

(7) View of Lac d’Oro. The path descends to your left over scree. On this section, you’ll need to scramble down a short section. You’ll reach the junction with the^GR®20.

(8) Head down to your left. From here on, the path will be much better signposted.

(9) At this point, if you veer off the path to the right, you can see a large waterfall (unnamed?) in a canyon. The path features numerous steps and boulders.

(10) You’ll pass by the Cascade des Anglais, where you can go for a swim if conditions allow. Stay on the^GR®20, following the sign for ‘Gare de Vizzavona’.
Carry on to a small inn where you cross the Agnone via a footbridge.

(11) The path splits in two; turn right and you’ll come out onto a track at a hairpin bend.

(12) Take the path on the right to end up on a wide track leading to the first footbridge you crossed at the start of the route.

(1) Follow the path and the road from the start, in the opposite direction, to return to Vizzavona station (S/E).

The path is marked with yellow dots; the section on the^GR®20is marked with red and white stripes.

You do not need any climbing equipment.
Make sure you wear waterproof walking boots. The route is quite wet and may be snow-covered even in early summer.
Walking poles will come in handy if you have a way of attaching them to your rucksack during the short climbing sections.

You’ll find a spring about a third of the way into the walk.

You won’t have mobile phone coverage for most of the walk.

Check the weather forecast before setting off.

You can take a short detour at the start of the path, just after the ‘1 ’, to find the ‘Mains d’Or’, which are signposted.