Stage 13 GR20

Here is what we call a new stage of the GR20 to discover the coscionu plateau around Matalza

From Usciolu to the Matalza refuge From Matalza refuge to Usciolu
GR20 North > South (stage 13) GR20 South > North (stage 4)
11 km | 300 m D | 600 m D – 11 km | 600 m D | 300 m D –
GPX trail for the North > South stage GPX trail for the South > North stage
Download PDF topo Download PDF topo
See details of the North > South stage See details of the South > North stage
Highlights: Bocca di l’Agnone | Bocca di Suragheddu | Plateau du Cusciunu
Highest point: 1800 m (Punta di a Scaddata) | Lowest point: 1300 m (Plateau du Cusciunu)
Sources: xxx (km5) | xxxx (km8)
Accomodation and meals: Refuge d’Usciolu | Refuge de Matalza | Bergerie I Croci | Bergerie de Basseta
IGN map: Consult here | Download all GR20 maps
Next stage NS: from Matalza to Asinau Next stage SN: from Usciolu to Prati
Previous stage NS: from Prati to Usciolu Previous stage SN: from Asinau to Matalza

Stage 13 of the GR20 North > South | Usciolu > Matalza

Here’s the profile of stage 13 between Usciolu and Matalza: easy stage!

Profile of stage 13 between Usciolu and Matalza

Printable summary and topo of stage 13 of the GR20 North South

1 – Head south-west from the Refuge d’Usciolu along theArête a Monda (or Arête des Statues) and after 2km you will reach the Bocca di l’Usciolu at an altitude of 1,805 metres, then not far from the stream of the same name, the Punta di l’Usciolu followed by the Punta Scaddatta at an altitude of 1,834 metres.

2 – Continue in the same direction on a beautiful descent with a difference in altitude of just under 600 metres. At the4th kilometre point, you’ll pass the Bocca di l’Agnone at an altitude of 1,571 metres and its spring of the same name. Less than a kilometre further on, you’ll reach the Bocca di Agnone.

3 – You can then follow the Ruisseau de Padulelli to the junction with the Ruisseau de Partuso, not far from the Bergeries de Chiasolli, which marks the end of this descent at an altitude of 1,310 metres. Continue along the Ruisseau de Veracolongu and turn west to reach the Bergeries de Bassetta. From here, the Punta di l’Erta is on your right.

4 – Now take the final stretch, heading south-east over the Plateau de Cusciunu to the Chapelle San Petru and finishing at the Refuge de Matalza at around 1,415 metres altitude.

Report on stage 13 with analysis of IGN maps and photos

Until 2013, the Matalza refuge was not part of the GR20, so hikers could reach Usciolu directly from Asinau. This new stage now takes you over the Cusciunu plateau and stops at Matalza. The old route still exists, but it is now a variant of the GR20.

The route is the same for both options, starting from the Usciolu refuge: climb to Bocca di Suragheddu (1790 metres) then follow the impressive Monda ridge for around 3 kilometres to Punta di a Scaddatta (it’s a vertiginous passage with a fairly difficult path). From here you descend through the beech forest to Bocca di l’Agnone! This is where you have two options.

GR 20 - Croci sheepfold

Tips for stage 13 of the GR20 North > South

  • Main itinerary: passes through Matalza and the I Croci sheepfolds. There are plenty of footpaths, and it’s peaceful and easy on a very rolling path, in the shade along the river: no problem! However, be sure to follow the GR20 markers, as you can also reach the Mare a Mare Centre on this route.
  • the alpine variant: this bypasses the Cuscionu plateau and allows you to do the GR20 in 15 days instead of 16. It’s the old GR20 route that links the Usciolu refuge directly to the Incudine and Asinau refuge. Find out more about the Usciolu to Asinau option.

Warning: the GR20 is a trail with high mountain sections, so don’t take this hike lightly: use appropriate hiking equipment for the GR20, be at least reasonably trained and don’t set off without IGN maps or the Topoguide

Some photos of the accommodation :

Basseta Bergeries - GR 20

Videos of the terrain between Usciolu and Matalza:

This video summarises the stage from Usciolu to Matalza: video put online by “GR20 I had a dream”.

Stage 4 of the GR20 South > North | Matalza > Usciolu

Here is the profile of the stage between Matalza and Usciolu:

Profile of stage 4 between Matalza and Usciolu

Printable summary of the topo for stage 4 of the GR20 South North

1 – Leave the Matalza Refuge (at an altitude of 1,415 metres) heading north-west as far as the Chapelle San Petru, then cross the Plateau de Cusciunu to reach the Bergeries de Basseta.

2 – Continue north-east along the Ruisseau de Veracolongu until you reach the junction of the Ruisseau de Padulelli and the Ruisseau de Partuso. From here, you’ll embark on a climb with 500 metres of ascent.

3 – On the way to the Bocca di Agnone, look out for the Punta di l’Arleda on your left. Less than a kilometre further on, you’ll find the Source de l’Agnone and then the Bocca di l’Agnone at an altitude of 1,571 metres. From here, Monte Occhjatu is on your left and Monte Lattone on your right.

4 – Continue in the same direction and you’ll reach Punta Scaddatta at an altitude of 1,834 metres, followed by Punta di l’Usciolu and the stream of the same name. One kilometre further on, you’ll reach the Bocca di l’Usciolu at an altitude of 1,805 metres, following theArête a Monda (or Arête des Statues). Finally, you’ll arrive at the Refuge d’Usciolu, your destination, at an altitude of 1,750 metres.

IGN map between Usciolu and Matalza

Here is the IGN map of stage 13 of the GR20 between the Usciolu refuge and the Matalza refuge, which corresponds to stage 4 of the GR20 South > North. Go to this page to download all the IGN maps of the GR20.

IGN map of the GR20 stage between Matalza and Usciolu

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