Loisirs

Why not do it?

The “pozzi” of Bastelica

André Rotach

From south of Ajaccio, Corsica, take the N-196 road, then the D3 to Batelica. Finally, take the D27A to the ski station at Val d’Ese, an altitude of 1,622 metres, the startingpoint for the “I Pozzi” hike.
Start heading north, and climb upwards following the télésiège lift to the summit (about an hour’s hike). Follow the path alongside the left side (west) to the Col de Scaldasole. Below, you should see the “pozzi” (pozzines are grassy fields full of waterholes near a main body of water, which drain the bog or lake). Head in their direction. The pozzi are found at three altitudes: at 1,827, 1,815 and 1,783 metres. Instead of doing the recommended trip starting at the ski station, go up via those three levels of pozzi, and press on to the Bocca della Calle (1,946 m), where there is a superb view. Return by the same route, as the alternative is of little interest.
Length of trip: about 5 hours, for a total change in altitude of 760 metres. Path markings being non-existent in Corsica, you have to watch for the cairnstones that mark the path.
Cairnstones are pyramids of stones piled up to mark a trail. Hikers can always add a stone to help keep the path markings clearly visible.
Also indispensable: an IGN map of France (IGN 4252 OT Monte Renoso).