To the Coscione Plateau via the official Shepherds’ Trail

The starting point is accessible by car from the village of Quenza, following signs for Plateau de Coscione. As the road is in poor condition, stop in a standard car 3 km before the Bucchinera cross-country ski lodge at a place called Bifurgia. Please note: there is no designated parking; you must park on the roadside.

(S/E) Follow the road as it climbs to reach the Bucchinera cross-country ski lodge.

(1) Go round the refuge and then take the Sentier des Bergers on the left (signposted), which heads off to the right towards the Castellu d’Ornucciu massif. You will reach the Ruisseau de Codi.

(2) Take care here: follow the route on the map and the information on the signs carefully. Keep to the right, following the ‘Sentier des Bergers’ sign. You will meet the Ruisseau de Codi again at a footbridge.

(3) Do not take this footbridge; instead, continue along the left bank of the stream, crossing it further on to reach the Pian d'Ornucciu spring.

(4) Continue along an almost level path until you reach a crossroads with several directions.

(5) Turn right heading due south; you will soon come to a T-junction.

(6) Turn left, then head towards the Chiralbella sheepfold.

(7) Head towards the Massif Castellu d'Ornucciu on the right, reaching the hamlet of Vigna d'Ornucciu.

(8) Here, take a detour from the IGN route to finish with a gentle climb to a pass.

(9) Cross the pass and, now heading downhill, make your way to the Bucchinera cross-country ski lodge.

(1) Follow the route taken on the way out in the opposite direction to return to the Bifurgia car park (S/E).

Information is available at the Bucchinera Refuge and on signs along the trail.
There are no water points or toilets along the route (refuge and sheepfold).
The pozzines are a very fragile environment; please explore them only via the designated path and do not walk elsewhere.

Please note: the access road from Quenza is in poor condition as, being a private road, it has never been maintained. In April 2026, access by a standard car is possible as far as the starting point of this hike, located 3 km before the Bucchinerale cross-country ski lodge, which is the official starting point of the marked trail. To continue, a 4x4 vehicle is required.

(1) On the return journey to the Bucchinera cross-country ski lodge, from the pass between Monte Canoso and Punta di a Funtana Spartula, don’t miss the view of:
- the Aiguilles de Bavella behind you,
- the mountain ranges to the north: Monte Renoso, d'Oro and Rotondo in the background on the horizon to the right.