Pointe de l’Orsaja, starting from Pianello via the Peri huts

The start is right at the top of the village of Pianello (in Poggio), at the final tarmac bend. Park here.

(S/E) Take the shaded path marked in orange, signposted “Mare a Mare Nord” towards Pirelli and Valle d’Alesani. Continue to La Bravone.

(1) Cross over a very narrow concrete path and carry on straight ahead. At this point, a track joins the path; it has been widened to accommodate the many vehicles from the surrounding villages on the feast day of Saint Vincent, which is celebrated in style at the chapel of the same name a little further on. The markings change to yellow.

(2) Leave the path leading to the Saint-Vincent Chapel on your left and carry on straight ahead. The path climbs quite steeply but is not at all difficult, leading up to a fountain. The water from the Ruisseau de Peri is reputed to be drinkable here!

(3) Follow the path to the left for a short detour to the Peri sheepfolds, which are always worth a visit, especially as, since this year (2020), a very friendly shepherd has taken over the sheep-rearing business.

(4) Head back towards the Peri fountains.

(3) Carry on straight ahead towards the sea (east-southeast). The path is always clearly visible, even amongst the ferns. If you lose sight of it briefly near the top of the^first hillock after the fountains, you’ll find it again quickly and without any trouble.

You then need to cross a very wide ravine with flat rocks to reach the foot of the Pointe de l’Orsaja. From a distance, on the path at the foot of the peak, you’ll recognise a boulder that looks like a cottage with a chimney.

(5) Turn left. It’s not difficult to climb to this peak; at the start, the path is marked in yellow, then the final section is a matter of following the trail through the ferns, everlasting flowers and thistles. Once at the summit, you’ll be able to see the other side, part of the Alesani valley and the reservoir, all the way to the beaches at Prunete.

(6) Head back down to the boulder.

(5) Turn left. The path continues, quite close to this rock, to the right of the fern grove and above the scrubland. It is no longer signposted but is very clear, and the descent towards the “Mare a Mare” path presents no difficulty. At the Col de Muteri, continue along the ridge to descend towards the junction with the “Mare a Mare Nord” path through a superb fern grove.

(7) At the junction, turn right, following the sign for “Pianellu”. Keep heading south-west
to rejoin the path leading up to Bravone.

(1) Turn left and follow the shaded path, which is once again marked in orange, back to the starting point (S/E).

There are no technical difficulties on this walk, but walking boots are essential (and walking poles are a good idea!).

You’ll come across several water sources; the water from the Ruisseau de Péri is said to be drinkable (the others probably are too, but I haven’t been given that information). You should still bring your own supply of water, though.

It’s on the southern slope, so it gets hot.

Doing the walk in a clockwise direction seems the best option: the final section is fairly shaded and the gradient quite gentle, so it’s not too difficult and ensures a leisurely return, unlike the path along the Ruisseau de Péri, which has a fairly steep gradient!