La Richiusa, Bocognano

Canyoning

Publié le 4 August 2017 |

Listed in the guidebook as one of Corsica's most playful canyons, the Richiusa canyon offers a fine sequence of playful but not incredible obstacles. Far from the level of the Llech! Quite short and much frequented by groups, it's a question of threading your way through it. The obstacles follow each other quite well, with jumps and slides and even a zip-line, installed for the occasion, which we were able to enjoy. It's a very pleasant place, in a wild setting sheltered from the summer heat. To be (re)done outside the tourist season, to make the most of it in the best conditions.

Technical summary

Type ✦ Water canyon
Location ✦ La Richiusa
Region ✦ Haute Corse
Country ✦ France
Length ✦ 1200m
Vertical drop ✦ 220m
Difficulty ✦ v3-a3-III
Max abseil ✦ 13m
Duration ✦ 3h to 3h30
Interest ✦ ★

Access to the place

The Richiusa canyon is on the road from Corte to Ajaccio, just before the Vizzavone pass on the South Corsican side (i.e. between the pass and Ajaccio). In the village of Bocognano, turn left from Ajaccio, towards Richiusa. Follow the small road which ends in a dead end. Park just before a small power station at the head of the torrent (large parking area).

Itinerary description

Hiking to the start 1h

Take the yellow-marked path to the left of the power station, towards the Montanu sheepfolds. Cross the torrent and turn left. Further on, keep to the right and then fork right again. The path climbs steeply, eventually overlooking the canyon on the right. When you cross the Richiusa torrent, it's time to start as high as possible.

Course 2h à 2h30

Fairly short canyon with little ascent (220m). Bring a 30m rope for all abseils. A wetsuit is essential, as the water is quite cool even in summer. A few slides and jumps. If you don't leave early, you'll be stuck in traffic.

Part 1

Not the most interesting part of the climb, mainly de-escalation and a few jumps to cool off. We pass through a pretty gully that winds up to the first obstacle. Abseil 1 (13m) is equipped on the right and ends in the water for a swim out.

Part 2

More steeply sloped, this is the fun part, quite concentrated with several close obstacles to overcome. The drop is steeper, and there are some pretty green pools. A rappel 2 further on lands you in a large basin. There are more jumps to be made, and finally an abseil 3 converted into a zip-line as we passed. A final jump (5m) before swimming out of the rocky gorge.

Back

Descend further through the boulders, then take the yellow-marked path that climbs with the aid of a fixed rope. Follow the yellow trail back to the fork in the approach path.