A lesser trodden walk in the Balagne, this trail leads to U Falconaghju, a rocky crag high above Feliceto village, in the Haute Balagne. Nestled under this rocky crag are the ruins of a house “U CASU DI U BANDITU” the home of the bandit and boy did he have a stunning view. Hard to say if it was a bandits hideout or just a love nest of a local nobleman, off radar in a hidden part of the maquis, but an unusual and somewhat atmospheric spot.

From the village of FELICETU, this walk climbs steeply on the trail to ZILIA, before bearing left to the abandonned house, tucked away under the rocky summit of U Falconaghju. The trail is pretty rough and overgrown in parts so wear trousers and keep an eye on the waymarks!

 Great mountain hideaway with a superb view, high in the Balagne.

6km / 2h30 / +386m / -386m, RED /ORANGE / Provisions in FELICETU

1. Felicetu(to ZILIA path junction) 0h10 / 0.4km

Park at the car parking area in the heart of FELICETU village, or safely on the main road near the FERME AUBERGE A RIMESSA. From the main village square, take the central alleyway that climbs through the village to the higher road CHJASSU E 3 LOGHJE, following RED waymarks and the Trail 20 19 marks. On reaching the higher road, turn left then immediately right uphill on a steep concreted lane STRADA I U POGHJU following the lane as it zigzags uphill being attentative to the waymarks, the lane climbs no more at a signpost ZILIA / FELICETO.

• ZILIA Path junction (to Casa di U Banditu path junction) 0h20 / 0.8km

Follow the sign uphill for ZILIA along a grassy path. The path, initially soft underfoot, becomes increasingly rocky as it climbs to a flatter area (area on the map marked ACCIOLA). At this point a narrow path leads off to the left. You will see a X no entry “trail” sign on a rock ahead, and RED waymarks on a stone on the ground.

• Casa di U Banditu path junction(to gate) (0h20 / 0.8km)

You are attentively following RED waymarks. The path is messy and a little overgrown in places. Initially the path climbs perpendicular to the path you have just left, then at a clearer area turns sharp left, and climbs gently on a balcony below the lower of the two peaks, with great views towards U FALCONAGHJU. Go through the gate.

• Gate (to Casa di U Banditu) 0h20 / 0.8km

From the gate, head uphill towards the fenced chestnut tree, then head uphill right between the two summits. The path is in places still very brambly. The path curves initially heads off to the right and then around to the left and joins an old terraced trail before reaching a col. You are nearly there! Be attentive to the waymarks (still RED) that go through the maquis, skirting around the read side of the rocky crag. The path then takes a final left turn and the path crosses a walled terrace with a drop to your right, and you see the main gateway. The ruins of the house, nestled under the rock, U Casa di U Banditu is through the gate, explore with care ! Retrace your steps afterwards.