A mountain paradise surrounded by deep-green meadows
This idyllic blue lake lies hidden in a gentle hollow framed by emerald-green mountain meadows and veined with meandering rills of dark water. In summer the lean feral pigs root around for tender morsels, while the more boisterous of mountain walkers pursue a half-hearted chase to catch these nimble-footed, curly-tailed porkers. Cowbells sound out from the bushes along the lake; horses graze peacefully on the close-cropped pastures and are spoiled by the attentions of horse-loving hikers passing through – neither fence nor herdsman in sight. Thanks to the marvellous laricio pines that make up Valdu Niellu (black forest) and the unique views of the ridge between Paglia Orba and the Cinto massif this hike is a real treat – despite the steep climb during the second leg of the route.
Location: Albertacce, 860m, Niolu village on the Calacuccia reservoir.
Starting point: Poppaghia forestry house, 1076m, 10.5km east of Col de Verghio.
Height difference: about 730m.
Grade: easy hike on a well-marked path, but strenuous along the last stretch.
Refreshment and accommodation: Castel di Verghio hotel-restaurant on the road to Col de Verghio; in Albertacce and Cala­cuccia.
Alternatives: Nino lake can also be approached from the Castel di Verghio hotel, 1404m (3½hrs.). The route can be extended to a 2-to-3-day trek by either following the Tavignano downstream to the Refuge de Sega (stay overnight, Walks 64 and 65) or along the GR20 via the Refuge de Manganu with overnight stop and finally reaching the Restonica valley or continuing on even further to reach Rotondo. A possible ascent from the lake to the panoramic Punta Artica, 2327m (3hrs. there and back).
Map: IGN 4251 OT (1:25.000).