Stage 5 GR20

This is a relatively easy stage of the GR20, although there is a nice climb to be expected in the rocks towards the Ciottulu refuge.

From the Tighjettu refuge to Ciottulu From Ciottulu refuge to Tighjettu refuge
GR20 North > South (stage 5) GR20 South > North (stage 12)
7 km | 700 m D | 340 m D – 7 km | 340 m D | 700 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
Highlight: Refuge de Tighjettu | Col di Fuciale
Highest point: 2050 m | Lowest point: 1390 m
Sources: xxx (km5) | xxxx (km8)
Accommodation and food: refuge de Tighjettu | bergerie de Ballone | refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori
IGN map: Consult here | Download all GR20 maps
Following stage NS: from Ciottulu di i Mori to Manganu Following stage SN: from Tighettu to Ascu Stagnu
Previous stage NS: from Ascu Stagnu to Tighettu Previous stage SN: from Manganu to Ciottulu di i Mori

Stage 5 of the GR20 North > South | Tighjettu > Ciottulu di i Mori

Here’s the profile of the stage between Tighjettu and Ciottulu di i Mori: a fairly calm stage compared to the others.

Profile of stage 5 between Tigjettu and Ciottulu di i Mori

Printable summary of the topo for stage 5 of the GR20 North South

1 – Start by heading due south from the Tighjettu refuge to the Bergeries de Ballone, around 1.3 km away. As you descend into the Stranciacone Ravine, you will see Capu Tighiettu and Capu Ucellu on your right.

2 – Once you reach the Bergeries de Ballone (or U Vallone) at an altitude of 1,440 metres, continue south through the Albertacce municipal forest. As you make your way through the woods, you’ll be close to the Grotte des Anges and the Bergerie de Prugnoli, although they won’t be on your route.

3 – You’ll walk through the woods for 2 kilometres before emerging from them to land near the Ruisseau de Foggialle. From the waterfall, you’ll begin a 600-metre climb heading west.

4 – The ascent is fairly steep and takes around 2 hours to reach the Bocca di Foggialle, at an altitude of 1,965 metres. Along the way, you can see the Brèche du Sphinx.

5 – Once you’ve crossed the Col, there’s just one kilometre left to go in a north-westerly direction, to reach the Ciuttulu di i Mori Refuge, at an altitude of around 2,000 metres. Along the path, you’ll see theEpaule de Foggiale and the Col des Maures on your right, with the summit of Capu Tafunatu behind. Once you reach Ciuttlu, don’t forget to visit the Source du Golo.

Report on stage 5 with analysis of IGN maps and photos

This is one of the shortest stages of the GR20 in terms of walking time. This section will take you down to the Tighjettu valley and then a single climb to the Ciottulu di i Mori refuge. But before that, you have a bit of walking to do

Starting from the Tighjettu refuge in the valley

The view as you leave on stage 5, turn around: at the very top is the entrance to the cirque de la solitude, with Monte Cinto on your right.

Start by dropping down into the Stranciacone ravine, as far as the Ballone (or U Vallone) sheepfolds at 1440m. Here, continue on your right along the GR20 through the Albertacce communal forest.

Stranciacone ravine, with the Tighjettu refuge in the distance
Stranciacone ravine, with the Tighjettu refuge in the distance

For your information, at the U Vallon sheepfolds, the path on the left will take you to Calasima (road) in 2 hours. A very steep climb (500 metres D ) will take you to the Col di Fuciale (1965m) and on to the Ciuttulu di i mori refuge.

Bergerie de U Ballone
Arriving above the U Ballone sheepfold
Approaching the refuge of Ciottulu
Last straight stretch, at the far end is the Ciottulu refuge

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

GR 20 - Refuge Ciuttulu Di I Mori
Charming company on the GR20 (by julien)

Some photos of the accommodation:

the balloon sheepfold on the GR20
Ballone sheepfold
Refuge of Ciottulu di i Mori arriving from the North
the Ciottulu refuge

Videos of the terrain between Tighjettu and Ciottulu di i Mori :

This video sums up thestage from Tighjettu to Ciottulu di i Mori perfectly. Enjoy the beautiful images put online by “GR20 I had a dream”. It didn’t quite start from Tighjettu, as our reporter set off that morning from the Ballone sheepfolds.

And here’s Julie’s video, showing you the stage in her own way. Read Julien’s full story here. Julien, photographer and director by his stage here.

Stage 12 of the GR20 South > North | Ciottulu di i Mori > Tighjettu

Here’s the profile of the stage between Ciottulu di i Mori and Tighjettu: a fairly calm stage with a gradual descent.

Profile of stage 12 between Ciottulu di i Mori and Tighjettu

Printable summary of the topo for stage 12 of the GR20 South North

1 – Starting from the Ciottulu di i Mori refuge at an altitude of around 2,000 metres, head east until you cross the Bocca di Foggialle less than a kilometre away. Continue in the same direction, following the Ruisseau de Foggialle downhill for almost 600 metres.

2 – After 3 kilometres, head north through the Forêt Communale d’Albertacce towards the Bergeries de Ballone. As you make your way through the woods, you’ll be close to the Grotte des Anges and the Bergerie de Prugnoli, although they won’t be on your route.

3 – Once you reach the Ballone (or U Vallone) sheepfolds at an altitude of 1,440 metres, stop to look at the ruins of the Tilarba sheepfolds on your right. Then head up the Ravin du Stranciacone towards the Refuge de Tighjettu. As you climb slightly, you’ll see Capu Tighiettu and Capu Ucellu on your left.

4 – Following the Ruisseau de Crucetta, your stage ends at the Refuge de Tighiettu at an altitude of 1,660 metres.

IGN map from Tighjettu to Ciottulu di i Mori

Here is the IGN map of stage 5 of the GR20 between Tighjettu and Ciottulu di i Mori, which corresponds to stage 12 of the GR20 South > North. Go to this page to download all the IGN maps of the GR20.

IGN maps of the stage of the GR20 between Ciottulu di i Mori and Tighjettu

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