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Les Glacières de Cardo

Corsica

This hike takes you to visit ancient "ice houses" above Cardo dating from the 16th and 18th centuries and allowing the conservation of cold to make ice.

Hiking Difficult

Distance
5.5 km
Ascent
194 m
Descent
194 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
780 m
High Point
925 m
Gradient
Les Glacières de Cardo Map

The first steps of this cold hike take place in the shade of some palm trees as if to better underline the contrasts of an island with a climate divided between the usual mildness of its shores and the relative coolness of its mountains. The itinerary first follows the D64 road for a few dozen meters in a southerly direction before rising to the right. Higher up, after the brief crossing of a fire protection trail, it visits the first curiosities of the area: an old open-air slate quarry close to a second quarry where millstones for the oil and grain presses were once cut (the information panel on this hike of the ice houses, installed on the Cardo square near the church, specifies that some of the steps of the path are made of pieces of these millstones of yesteryear). Further up, we discover a restored sheepfold, as well as several springs, one of which is near beautiful hundred-year-old trees (ideal place for a picnic). After a steep part and the passage under a power line, the path continues its ascent and reaches the first ice house, the oldest (16th century). Another five minutes of walking and we discover the second ice house (18th century), which is attached to an old house. We are then located at a few tens of meters of difference in level of the crest of the Cape Corsica and the Monte Murzaio (880m), tempting objective to crown this beautiful panoramic walk.

Description

Les premiers pas de cette randonnée du froid s’effectuent à l’ombre de quelques palmiers, comme pour mieux souligner les contrastes d’une île au climat partagé entre la douceur habituelle de ses rivages et la relative fraîcheur de ses montagnes… L’itinéraire suit d’abord sur quelques dizaines de mètres la D64 en direction du Sud, avant de s’élever vers la droite. Plus haut, après le bref croisement d’une piste de protection contre les incendies, il visite les premières curiosités du secteur : un ancien site d’extraction de lauzes à ciel ouvert, proche d’une seconde carrière où l’on venait autrefois tailler des meules pour les pressoirs à huile et à grains (le panneau d’information sur cette randonnée des glacières, installé sur la place de Cardo tout près de l’église, précise du reste que certaines marches du sentier sont faites de morceaux de ces meules d’antan…). Plus haut, on découvre une bergerie restaurée, ainsi que plusieurs sources aménagées, dont l’une au voisinage de beaux arbres centenaires (lieu idéal de pique-nique). Après une partie plus escarpée et le passage sous une ligne électrique, le chemin continue son ascension et rejoint une première glacière, la plus ancienne (16ème siècle). Encore cinq minutes de marche et l’on découvre la seconde glacière (18ème siècle), à laquelle est accolée une ancienne maison d’habitation. On se situe alors à quelques dizaines de mètres de dénivelée de la crête du Cap Corse et du Monte Murzaio (880m), objectif tentant pour couronner cette belle balade panoramique.

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between April and October

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike
  • Family friendly