Mountain refuge Bergerie de Vaccaghia

Between crossing and retreat on the mountain corsa

In this part inside of Corsica on the environment of Corte and at 1,595 meters, the Bergerie de Vaccaghia fits better into a logic of passage than of prolonged stay. Its position relates to long-distance itineraries such as GR 20 and Mare à Mare Nord two references that already indicate mountain terrain, continuity of march and need to be well oriented in an area where the relief greatly conditions each displacement.

Access should be read more as a mountain approach than as a walk to an isolated cabin. The altitude is not extreme, but it is sufficient for time to change quickly and for the progression to become more demanding if it is linked with nearby traverses or loops, such as the Goria brèche or the Lac sector of Creno. In this context, the shelter can serve to break a day, cover a reasonable withdrawal or resolve a link between itineraries without the need to go down to low levels.

The reference of the bergeries of Vaccaghia and its location in the mountainous interior of Alta Corsica help to place it in a landscape of high pastures and open slopes, more linked to the road traffic than to a comfortable valley background. There is no data to present it as a basis for concrete summits, so its practical interest is mainly in the direction of the journey and in the basic support it can offer within a long day.

It is appropriate to plan with autonomy. The nearest sources are almost 2 km away, so it is not wise to have immediate water next to the shelter. In an area so exposed to weather changes and with limited information on specific conditions, it makes sense to reach with a margin of light, sufficient water and a clear idea of the route of entry and exit.