Читать книгу The GR20 Corsica. The High Level Route онлайн

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At this point a choice must be made between the high-level route and the low-level variant. See the next section, Stage 1B, for a description of the low-level variant.

An hour after leaving Calenzana, the GR20 and the Tra Mare e Monti part company at a junction on the hillside

Go left to follow the GR20 and zigzag up past a couple of monstrous boulders beneath the rocky peaks of Capu di u Ravalente. The path crosses a rocky gap at 625m (2050ft) where small boulders make good seats. If you haven’t already learnt from painful experience, don’t sit down on the maquis, which here is a mixture of cistus and spiny broom. Take a last look back to Calenzana before it passes from view.

The path is quite rugged as it descends a short way from the gap, passing beneath an overhanging rock with holm oaks growing in crevices. The surface is easier underfoot as the path contours along an old terrace high on the slope. Straggly barbed wire fencing runs alongside to the right, and the maquis is an exotic mix of aromatic species. The path rises to a few chestnut trees that draw moisture from a seasonal stream, the Ruisseau de Sambuccu, and it is clear that they have suffered a severe burning in the past. Bergeries can be seen on the valley sides, and the bongling bells of cattle or goats grazing in the maquis may be heard. The low-level track leading to Bonifatu can also be seen. Hopefully you won’t be wishing you were on it at this late stage!