By Johanna the 18/09/2018

A short hike in the footsteps of the legendary GR20

To welcome in the autumn, here’s a hike idea from the hamlet of Canaglia

At the end of the summer, the temperature is cooler and nature begins to take on its splendid colours. This is the perfect time to hike peacefully in the mountains. I start walking towards the Onda refuge from the small village of Canaglia, whose junction is located a few kilometres before the village of Vivario.

The slope is more than gentle but good shoes are still essential. Though the trail is marked GR20, I stick to the river valley below, which takes me to the Tolla sheepfold where I can pause and restore. Access to the river allows me to swim all along the route, and the trail stays under the pines most of the time, shielding me from the sun.

Halfway round, the Meli waterfall makes its appearance: majestic in the middle of the surrounding greenery. I decide to stop for a moment and cool off.

I then make my way to the Tolla sheepfold. Small traditional ‘casette’ stones and wooden benches make this place a preserved, calm and relaxing place: local shepherd Pierre Thomas gives me a lunch of regional charcuterie, Swiss chard, wild mint and onions, as well as his own cheese. Sitting in the shade of the plane trees, time stands still.

After this well-deserved break, and after filling my bottle, I take the way back, not without enjoying a final dip in the river.

A short hike that can be done solo or with family or friends, all year round.