Stage 4: Haut-Asco → Refuge de Tighjettu

The route

Since the tragedy of June 2015, when a landslide killed seven hikers, the Cirque de la Solitude has no longer been part of the GR20. The replacement route has become the official route: longer and higher, but less technical. All about the Cirque de la Solitude.

After three-quarters of an hour on the flat along the stream, the trail crosses a footbridge and then climbs about 1,200 m over slabs, with two or three chain-equipped sections and long scree slopes. You reach the Pointe des Éboulis (2,607 m), the highest point of the route, from where you can see the Bay of Calvi and, on very clear days, the Alps.

A long ridge traverse over boulder fields leads to the Bocca Crucetta, above Lac du Cintu, then the descent reaches the Tighjettu hut, clinging to a rocky spur. The PNRC describes the stage as “very demanding, physically and mentally”: allow about 8 hours.

Climbing Monte Cinto

From the Pointe des Éboulis, a return trip of about 1 hr 30 min to 2 hours off the GR lets you climb Monte Cinto (2,706 m), the highest summit in Corsica. See the Monte Cinto ascent.

Practical tips

• Set off at dawn: the ridge is exposed to afternoon thunderstorms and the stage takes about 8 hours.
• Snowfields linger on the Pointe des Éboulis early in the season: check with the Park before setting off.
• In July 2026, a fire near Albertacce temporarily closed the area: check the PNRC notices.