|
Mountains cover a third of Corsica and hikers flock to the
peaks and gorges in the valley of Restonica - one of
the most impressive sights in Corsica. The best walks are
through the black pine forests to Monte Ritonde, ten
miles from Corte. It's something of a hikers haven, and you
can meet a lot of traffic - coaches, mountain bikes and hikers
streaming up and down its peaks. You can enjoy a pleasant
evening hiking or cycling in the valley then head back to
the nearby town of Corte.
The trails are not signed so you can get really lost easily.
It can be dangerous with mist or fog, so if you're not experienced,
you may need a guide for serious day hikes around Corte. If
you want to reach the higher peaks you must be equipped for
real climbing. Restonica is a very developed area of Corsica,
with a concentration of traditional mountain routes and modern
bolt protected routes for rock climbing. Expect plenty of
friction - the Restonica is hard duty climbing on solid granite.
Where to stay
You can only camp in the mountains at authorised camp sites
or you can stay at the mountain refuge, but you need to bring
your own food and bedding.
When to go
The mountains in the valley of Restonica rise to seven thousand
feet and the lakes are frozen eight months of the year so
come in the summer months between June and September.
Hiker's Tips
- Even on a hot summers day mist and fog can quickly close
in so stick to the marked routes, and wear proper hiking clothes,
because accidents can happen at any time, leaving you stranded.
- Get insurance - Corsican mountain rescue teams are well
organised and efficient, but if you're not insured for hiking
helicopter evacuation costs $2,000, and that's without hospital
bills.
- Always carry plenty of bottled water - don't let dehydration
curtail your climb.
-
- Make sure you carry waterproofs - storms are infrequent,
but can be severe so check the forecast before you leave.
-
Other activities
The Restonica river has one of the steepest gradients in Corsica
making it good for kayaking which can mainly be assessed
from the road to see if water levels are good. Be careful
- the river contains many steep drops and narrow pools so
don't bring your most expensive equipment as it's likely to
be bashed around. It's quite a dare devil ride for an experienced
kayaker, grader between 4 - from Cortes to Tavignano, going
up to grade 7 in places.
- Visit the mountainside villages, steeped in history which
have changed little in the last three centuries. Marvel at
the scale of the tall churches lying deep in the valley. |
