Flumineddu Valley

Approach

From Dorgali turn south on SS125 direction Baunei. 1km after the intersection to Cala Gonone (tunnel on the left) take a narrow road to the right. This roads winds down into the Flumineddu Valley (always keep to the left (south)) and there takes you through vineyards and orchards. The asphalt ends after 8km. Go on for another 800m and you'll reach a parking lot near a picnic area on the shore of the river.

This road is closed from there on and may only be used by jeep taxis. The hike to the mouth of the gorge takes approximately 1h 15 min.

Route Description

Altitude difference: 450m
Duration: 3h
Difficulty: I and II
Trailhead: End of the road in Fiumeneddu Valley

The trail to Gola su Gorropu through Flumineddu Valley is an easy hike along a forest road that winds along the eastern shore of the river. Once near the entry of the gorge the terrain gets steeper, leading into the river bed, which - at the end of May - was already dry.

Start the route at the parking lot at the end of the narrow regular road through Flumineddu Valley. It first climbs south some 100m above the river floor and then stays quite level, never changing more than 30m in altitude. Nearing the gorge the road turns west and steeply upwards to a saddle from which you have the first views of the gorge "opening up" between Punta s'Iscopargiu (1020m) to the right (north) and Punta Cucuttos (888m) to the left (south). The trail dscends into the river bed.

From here on you must use your own judgement of how to best get through the gorge. Of course - if it is crowded - you can just follow your fellow travellers. But it is much more fun to find the way by yourself, even if it includes detours and false directions. The most difficult passages (4 in all) are facilitated by ropes.

After you have completed the first turn of the inverted "S" of the gorge a somewhat smaller gorge opens up to the left. Follow this to complete the second turn. The trail ends were a huge rock blocks the entire gorge. It shouldn't be difficult to scale if you bring equipment, if you don't - you have to turn here.

Essential Gear

Hiking gear is enough. Bring a sweater. Though the gorge can be sizzling hot where the sun reaches the ground it nevertheless is quite cold in the shade. And you don't want to spent your further vacation with a cold, do you?

Images

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