Ota - Vergio Pass

A magnificent stage featuring the Spelunca Gorges and then the Aitone Forest.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: North Corsica Route

Details

3082
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 17.90 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 9h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,481 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 403 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,479 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 202 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Ota (20150)
  • ⚑
    Start: N 42.25736° / E 8.742332°
  • ⚑
    End: N 42.286538° / E 8.89267°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4150OT, 4250OT, 4250OTR, 4251OT, 4251OTR
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

(S) From the lodge, cross the village; the MEM follows the road to Ponte Vecchiu, built over the River Porto.

(1) Cross the bridge and enter the Spelunca Gorge. Follow the river along its left bank to reach the magnificent Pianella Bridge at the confluence of the Spelunca and the Tavulella stream.

(2) Cross it and then begin an easy climb via tight hairpin bends, finishing on the D84 at the entrance to Evisa.

(3) Turn left onto the road and stay on it to cross the village until you reach the junction of the two paths:
- the MAM (Mare A Mare) to the left,
- the MEM (Mare E Monti) to the right.

(4) Take the MAM on the left. Continue along this path heading north-east. 4 km further on, pass close to the VVF Paisolu Aitone.

(5) You will then enter the famous Aitone forest; walk through the forest, cross the Castarica Bridge and, further on, the Verghio stream before reaching the Col de Verghio.

(6). Leave the MAM on your left and take the path opposite which joins theGR®20.

(7) Turn right onto it and head for the pass-top lodge, located about 1 km further on (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 328 m - Ota
  2. 1 : km 1.92 - alt. 211 m - Ponte di Pianella - Porto (fleuve)
  3. 2 : km 3.79 - alt. 294 m - Zaglia Bridge
  4. 3 : km 5.75 - alt. 803 m - Evisa crossroads
  5. 4 : km 6.7 - alt. 848 m - Trail junction (MAM-MEM)
  6. 5 : km 10.43 - alt. 996 m - VVF Paisolu Aitone
  7. 6 : km 16.23 - alt. 1,476 m - Col de Vergio
  8. 7 : km 16.68 - alt. 1,410 m - GR20
  9. E : km 17.9 - alt. 1,406 m

Notes

You can top up your water supplies along the way; there are plenty of places to do so.
There is the option to stop at Evisa.

Worth a visit

What a beautiful stage this is:
- The bridges (Vecchiu and Zaglia) are works of art.
- The path through the Spelunca Gorge is remarkably well-marked and paved in places; make the most of the many information boards along this trail, which also serves as a nature trail.
- The Aitone forest and the Laricio pines that inhabit it are an absolute must-see.
- Between the Zaglia bridge and the Aitone forest, the paths you take are combined with a nature trail where information boards explain these places.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Hector ship
Hector ship

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

This climb is suitable for experienced hikers.
The view and the peace and quiet are a wonderful reward when you reach the summit. Make sure you bring something to drink and good shoes, preferably high-top ones because of the loose stones.
I had a brilliant time...

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castres
castres
• Edited:

I’m currently planning a trip for my association to Corsica next year. I’m familiar with a few routes, but your website has confirmed my plans. A few days in the north and a few days in the south!
Thank you for your help via your website

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marie1962
marie1962

Thanks
I’ll only be in Porto for four days, so I’m trying to see the prettiest spots – I’ll definitely be back next year, perhaps to do part of the GR20
Please let me know if there are any other walks to do
Best regards
Marie Pierre

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bernardino
bernardino ★

Hello
The duration of a hike depends, of course, on many factors.
I can only give an estimate based on my own hiking style. However:
- it takes about 2 hours to reach Evisa from Ota
- and the same from Evisa to the Aitone forest
bearing in mind that all this will depend on your stops, sightseeing, etc.
Enjoy your hike in this truly delightful area.

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marie1962
marie1962

Hello
How long does it take to get to Evisa and the Aitone Forest?
Thank you

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Jean Marc Cherbourg
Jean Marc Cherbourg

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 03, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Thank you for everything!!

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lorente
lorente

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2014
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

For my part, I only walked the section from Ota to Evisa. But it’s true that this part of the Gorges is absolutely stunning.
Bridges, crystal-clear waters and panoramic views add a
to this walk. So I still have the rest to go...
;-)

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