Col de Bavella: "U Cumpuleddu" (The Bomb Hole)

This hike will take you to "U Cumpuleddu", more commonly known as "Trou de la Bombe" (Bomb Hole), a geological formation caused by erosion. The route also offers beautiful views of the Aiguilles de Bavella mountain range. Much of the hike takes place under the cover of Laricio pine trees.

Details

24386502
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.54 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 643 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 663 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,311 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,967 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Quenza (20122)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 41.795683° / E 9.224835°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4253ET, 4253ETR
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the Col de Bavella next to the tourist information centre (remember to pick up some information). The trail is marked with red signs and wooden posts.

(S/E) The trail starts with an ascent through a forest of Laricio pines and then arrives at a flat area. Looking back, you will have a beautiful view of the Aiguilles de Bavella. Continue along the path and pass the antennas on your left. Continue until you reach a sign for "U Cumpuleddu".

(1) Turn left and follow the red markings. You will reach another intersection. Turn right towards "U Cumpuleddu". The path climbs to a flat area still in the Laricio pine forest. You will reach another sign indicating the view of the "Trou de la Bombe" (Bomb Hole).

(2) Take a short detour to the left to admire this amazing geological formation in the distance. Retrace your steps to return to the original route towards the hole. You will reach a new fork.

(3) Turn left towards "U Cumpuleddu". The path then becomes slightly more complicated. Steep passages over rocks lead to the Trou de la Bombe. Follow the red markings carefully!

(4) The more daring may venture inside the hole. The path is no longer marked at this point. Take care, as this approach requires some mountain experience: a few steps of climbing are necessary to secure your feet and hands, especially on the descents. Not recommended for those prone to vertigo.

Return by following the red markings. The path is slightly different than on the way there for about 50 metres. It avoids the large steep slab, which can be slippery when wet. Then follow the red markings and the signs for "retour Bavella" (return to Bavella).

Keep to the right, continuing to follow the red markings and the sign for "retour Bavella". When you reach the sign for
"Belvédère".

(5) Take the path on the right that climbs up a slight rocky promontory: the path is not shown on the IGN map but is marked on OSM. You will have a beautiful view of the Aiguilles de Bavella; the other large rock, called Dame Jeanne, is difficult to access.

Return to the main trail and descend carefully for about 100 metres. Cross the stream and stay on the red trail until you reach another intersection about 100 metres further on. Turn left onto the red trail and leave the trail on the right

(6). Continue straight ahead (red markings) to reach the Col de Bavella car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,999 ft - Parking at the Bavella Pass - Col de Bavella (1217m)
  2. 1 : mi 0.79 - alt. 4,219 ft - "U Cumpuleddu" sign
  3. 2 : mi 1.24 - alt. 4,298 ft - Small detour to the left
  4. 3 : mi 1.5 - alt. 4,140 ft - Fork in the road: A/ left - R/ right
  5. 4 : mi 1.77 - alt. 4,268 ft - "U Cumpuleddu"
  6. 5 : mi 2.64 - alt. 4,219 ft - Promontory trail on the right
  7. 6 : mi 3.28 - alt. 3,993 ft - At the chapel junction, continue straight ahead.
  8. S/E : mi 3.54 - alt. 3,999 ft - Return to the car park - Col de Bavella (1217m)

Notes

New route since 2020! Follow the new signs and stay on the marked trails. Pedestrians are now prohibited from using the DFCI track at the end of the car park, which was the start or end point of the old route.

The car park is subject to a charge. A free shuttle bus is available from the Viseo racecourse car park (between the Col de Bavella and Zonza), which is also subject to a charge.

(2) If you are tired or for any other reason feel that it is too difficult to continue, turn back and follow the route via (5) and (6).

(6) Alternative: turn right to pass the chapel and then join the road to the pass. Then climb up to the left to the car park.

Always check the current and forecast weather conditions so you can adjust the contents of your backpack. The weather can deteriorate quickly at the Col de Bavella (storms, rain, hail, strong winds), which can cause temperatures to drop and make progress on the trail more difficult due to rain and fog. Stay alert! It can get very hot. There are no water sources along the hike. Remember to bring enough water for everyone.

Wear clothing suitable for mountain hiking (walking or trail shoes).

Please behave in a manner that respects the mountain environment: be discreet (no drones), keep the area clean (take your rubbish with you) and keep your dog on a leash.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 74 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Malland
Malland

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely, easy walk to the edge of the Trou de la Bombe. The approach from there is a bit rough going.
There are lots of people in front of the Trou de la Bombe.
You’d almost need a ticket just to squeeze into the Trou.
And even to climb a few metres up a crevice on the left, just long enough to take a nice photo, you have to be patient (and, of course, leave your walking poles behind to ensure a firm grip with your hands and feet).

Machine-translated

AACR
AACR

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The only slight difficulty is the climb up to the hole.
The real challenge is still reaching the hole, but you can easily do without it.

Machine-translated

Corinne33
Corinne33

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 07, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely, easy walk, apart from the end, which is optional (the end is the climb up to the ‘Trou de la Bombe’. Not easy if you’re afraid of heights, but you can get almost all the way to the top without any difficulty). A good restaurant at the Col de Bavella with other walkers, and a friendly atmosphere.

Machine-translated

nanou64
nanou64

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely early-morning walk to avoid the crowds and the heat, mostly through woodland. No major difficulties, but make sure you’re wearing suitable footwear.

Machine-translated

rage2001
rage2001

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The ‘Trou de la Bombe’ (U Tafonu di u Cumpuleddu) walk is an iconic route in the Bavella massif, in southern Corsica. It is an accessible walk, ideal for families and beginners, which winds through a magnificent forest of Laricio pines and ferns.
The route guide and photos can be found here: https://treksrandos.fr/corse-du-sud-2a/t...

Machine-translated

User 23020193

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk amongst the Lariccio pines.
It’s a shame, but a few clouds prevented us from fully enjoying this magnificent day, which ended as we set off again towards Solenzara to enjoy the stunning spots around wild, natural pools that are rarely or never visited
I love Corsica

Machine-translated

randonneur alsacien
randonneur alsacien

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 25, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk; towards the end, there’s a bit of climbing, which is manageable with good footwear

Machine-translated

User 18240444

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
A lovely walk, easy going and mostly through woodland (which is lovely in hot weather).
The view of the Aiguilles de Bavella is never far away.
The ‘Trou de la Bombe’ is very impressive (for those tackling the final few metres in ‘climbing’ mode, please take the usual precautions).
I’d recommend doing this walk early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds. We arrived at the Trou de la Bombe on our own at 10 am and came across a virtually unbroken stream of walkers on their way back.
Enjoy!

Machine-translated

muse_88_
muse_88_

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
a lovely walk, with the Bavella Needles always in view. Simple and effective. The ‘Trou de la Bombe’ is very impressive.

Machine-translated

manon denis
manon denis

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 08, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The red markings need restoring. Who’s going to do it?
This needs to be done before the crowds arrive, otherwise the final climb becomes difficult and dangerous, but it’s essential for the stunning view from the hole.

Machine-translated

User 8694076

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Paid parking available at the start of the season; limited spaces.

Machine-translated

User 27289727

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

At the end of October, there are few people on this hike, which is very well marked, both on the way there and back.
However, it was 10 degrees colder than lower down and very windy. Make sure you are well equipped.
The final access to the hole is indeed a little technical, and unfortunately I was unable to reach it due to an injured shoulder.

Machine-translated

User 27212453

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Part of the walk is very steep with lots of stones and rocks, so these are normal paths for Corsicans but not for everyone. This hike is not recommended for tourists in flip-flops, as it is far from being a simple stroll.

Machine-translated

PHLNT72
PHLNT72

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Good, but very crowded during the weekend.

Machine-translated

JJDREHER
JJDREHER

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The last 100 metres leading to the "hole" require climbing...

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.