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Monte Incudine Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Hard Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
8h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
20.1km
Elevation gain
870m
Type of route
Loop
Maximum altitude
2,134 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Slightly
Marked
Partially
Popularity
Low
Region
South-East
Start point
41.87844, 9.14816
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Monte Incudine hike reaches a summit at an elevation of 2,134 meters, the last major high mountain stronghold before the Corsican mountain range gradually slopes down toward the south. This location provides an exceptional vantage point with clear views of the Bavella peaks, the Cuscione plateau, and other Corsican summits.

On the way up, the route follows the GR20, passing by the Matalza refuge and the Croci sheepfolds. Hikers will cross varied landscapes, including pine forests and the vast meadows of the Cuscione plateau, which are dotted with pozzines and semi-wild animals. Near the summit, the landscape becomes more mineral.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Monte Incudine Hike

Description and difficulties of the hike

This hike is not technically difficult, but it is physically demanding due to its length: 20 kilometers and eight hours of walking. The trail follows the red and white markings of the GR20, which are clearly visible and easy to follow. You will pass the Matalza Refuge and the Croci sheepfolds before reaching Bocca Stazzunara, where the final ascent to the summit begins. This last section is not technically difficult but is on very rocky terrain.

For the return trip, you have two options: return by the same route or take the old GR20 variant. Please note, however, that the latter is temporarily closed due to the collapse of a footbridge over a stream. The markings have been removed, but the trail remains passable. Be prepared to cross the stream!

What you'll love

  • The 360° panorama from the summit: Breathtaking views of the Bavella peaks, the Cuscione plateau, and—on a clear day—the Corsican coastline and surrounding bays.
  • Crossing the magnificent Cuscione plateau, which has vast high-altitude meadows where cows, horses, and pigs roam freely.
  • A relatively uncrowded summit and a very wild return via the old GR20 variant.

Practical information

Return route

The old GR20 variant is closed due to the collapse of a footbridge. The markings have been removed and the stream must be forded. This option is still feasible, but the return via the outward route is safer, especially if you do not have a GPS device.

San Petru chapel
San Petru chapel
Cuscione forest
Cuscione forest
Matalza
Matalza
Cuscione forest
Cuscione forest
Cuscione forest
Cuscione forest
Cuscione forest
Cuscione forest
Croci sheepfold
Croci sheepfold
Bocca Stazzunaro
Bocca Stazzunaro
Aiguilles de Bavella to the south
Aiguilles de Bavella to the south
Reaching Monte Incudine
Reaching Monte Incudine
Monte Incudine
Monte Incudine
View north from Monte Incudine
View north from Monte Incudine
Descent on the GR20 variant
Descent on the GR20 variant
Collapsed footbridge
Collapsed footbridge
Monte Incudine – photo 15
A horse !
A horse !

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/corsica/monte-incudine/