In the Glow of Dawn and the Fury of Rain: A day in Vallée du Tavignano
Rising early at 5 a.m. to seize the day, we went on a breathtaking hike through the Vallée du Tavignano, from Corte to Ponte di u Russulinu. With the promise of a sunny morning and a rainstorm in the afternoon, we embraced the challenge of navigating through the rocky and steep pathways leading to our destination of the day. Keep reading and join us as we recount the hiking day exploring yet another beautiful corner of Corsica.
A Path Less Traveled
Starting our adventure in Corte after a hearty breakfast and cup of strong coffee, we crossed through the city center and straight to the starting point of our trail, right next to the river Tavignano. As we went deeper into the valley following the path next to the river, amidst the trees and occasional pebbles underfoot, the path gradually faded away, and we found ourselves jumping from one river rock to another. Although the markings disappeared, the soothing sound of the river’s flowing water accompanied us and created a serene atmosphere, making us forget about the challenging hiking section.
Sunglow, very early in the morning waiting for the sun to completely show up
Lost and Found
Determined to find our way to the right marked pathway, we consulted AllTrails and discovered a path uphill. To get there, however, we climbed on a steep hill, occasionally passing through scratchy bushes. We laughed off a small mishap when my hiking buddy nearly lost his balance, adjusting his glasses from the side of his face back to their place, and meanwhile holding on to a branch of a bush. We pressed on, leaving no room for breaks. Our persistance paid off as we found ourselves on a clear pathway with markings guiding us toward our destination. While the new route was slightly away from the river, we could still hear its soothing sound of the running waters through the valley. The trail, comprised of rocks and stones and offered a balanced mix of steep climbs and flat stretches.
In the Glow of Dawn
As the sun rose higher above the mountaintops, a magnificent sunrise painted the landscape with vibrant hues. Shades of yellow, orange, and warm colors illuminated the forest paths, creating a picturesque sights. At this time of the day, we didn’t see a single person, allowing us to soak in the unspoiled beauty of Corsica in full tranquility mode. Each twist and bend of the pathway unveiled new sights, from majestic mountains to rocky cliffs, dense forests to breathtaking views of the river below.
A touch of Majesty
Panoramic Views and Ponte di u Rossulinu
Along the way, we stumbled upon two remarkable viewpoints where we paused and admired the Corsican splendor. We also spotted falcons soaring high above, adding a touch of majesty to our hike. We continued walking towards our destination and found a place to replenish our water supply. With the sun going even higher in the sky and becoming even warmer, we soon made a descent, eventually reaching Ponte di u Rossulinu. As we got there, we immediate saw a beautiful bridge over the river and with a view towards a mountain peak on the west and a beautiful sight of the valley on the east. There were huge stones in the river, which could as well be used to jump on and cross the river, but instead we decided to use them as a sitting spot and took a moment to appreciate the view. We relished the tranquil atmosphere, with falcons above and the sound of running river waters.
Retracing the Steps to Corte
Despite our desire to explore further the valley, the threat of an approaching storm urged us to retrace our steps towards Corte. We walked along the same route, we came from, giving us a chance once again to soak in the beautiful nature of the valley. As we contunued walking back, the sun became more intense, and we needed more frequent water breaks. We encountered a few groups of hikers heading towards Ponte di u Russulinu, and we wondered how long they could hike before the storm arrived. Refilling our water bottles at another stop, we noticed an increase in the number of nature enthusiasts. The scorching heat made us to look for other places in the shade of trees and take breaks. The final stretch of our return offered a breathtaking view of Corte, with its citadel atop the hill.
After the Storm
As we returned to our Airbnb, we were immediately hit by fatigue and hunger after our six-hour hike. We prepared a big lunch and the rest of the day we dedicated to rest and relaxation, preparing our bodies and legs for more exciting adventures in Corte the coming days. Soon after lunch, the skies darkened, and the storm arrived in all its grandeur. Thunder and lightning lightened up the city and surrounding mountains, and rain poured. This was the perfect mountain storm.
Our day in the Vallée du Tavignano rewarded us with unforgettable sunrise views, allowing us to explore yet another beautiful side of Corsica: from the tranquil morning hours to the breathtaking landscapes with golden hues of the sunrise, to the mesmerizing views of cliffs and mountain tops. Though the weather forced us to cut our journey short, we were still full with excitement for our next planned hikes. We concluded the day with a cozy dinner, card games and treated ourselves with a Corsican Rosé, and before going to bed we eagerly set our alarms again for 5 a.m. for the day after.
Start
Corte
End
Corte
Duration
6 hours
Length
12 km
Difficulty
Intermediate
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