Relatively short stage with medium height difference.
The route is embellished by the long and panoramic route from Sella di Creta Rossa to Sella Cercevesa, from where we admire Monte Coglians (2,780 m, the highest peak in Friuli - Venezia Giulia), and the gigantic Carnic marble quarry.
On the long descent to Cleulis we witness for the first time the terrible effects of Hurricane Vaia on the forests.
The descent from Casera Pramosio to Timau is a variation of the Sentiero Italia (which is higher and passes through Casera Pal Grande di Sopra). It is a preferred stretch because it allows a visit to the beautiful village of Timau.
When descending from Casera Pramosio to Cleulis, several sections of the path are not doable due to the trees uprooted from Vaia. Be very careful.
Water points absent up to Cleulis: stock up at Fabiani.
We start immediately uphill (approximately 350 m height difference), towards the Sella di Creta Rossa. From there, almost sideways, we cross the southern slope of the Cuestalta (with a beautiful view of the Canin), and then lose some altitude towards the ruins of Casera Cercevesa. Here a short and very panoramic climb leads us to the pass of the same name: we see Monte Coglians (2,780 m), the highest peak in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
From the pass, we descend easily (approximately 300 m drop) and pass the remains of abandoned military barracks. We arrive at Rifugio Casera Pramosio, an excellent place for a stop.
We begin the second part of the descent (approximately 700 m drop) on a comfortable carriage road, used by trucks in the nearby large Carnic marble quarry. A path cuts through the carriage road. Losing altitude, the effects of hurricane Vaia that has destroyed vast portions of the forest, suddenly appear to us. We must pay attention to our steps.
Once in the valley, we cross the village of Cleulis. Along a wide path, we skirt the But stream reaching Timau, a hamlet of Paluzza, in the heart of Carnia.
Timau is a German linguistic island, where Tischlbongarisch is spoken. This special dialect of Germanic origin arrived together with the first Carinthian colonizers (Carinthia is the Austrian area populated in antiquity by the Carni, a Celtic people who settled in these areas from the 5th century AD, leaving a vast archaeological and cultural heritage).
Timau has always been a country of migration: in the 14th century, many people came from the plains of Central Europe, in particular from present-day Hungary, to find work in the copper mines.
Inside the Chiesa del Cristo Re of Timau we can admire a huge crucifix ....measuring 13 meters in height!
According to a legend, the church was built with the money of the Cossacks who invaded Carnia during the Second World War. In reality, the money came from the thefts carried out in Italy by the Nazi general Otto Gustav von Wächter. After the war, he was accused of war crimes and fled, receiving asylum in the Vatican, where he died shortly after.
Carnia is famous for its excellent cheese. Among the tastiest and most famous, we find the alto but, produced in the nearby village of Sutrio. Full of aroma, thanks to the flora of the local pastures, if sufficiently aged it can also be grated.
The Goat Festival in Timau takes place in May and aims to enhance the solid tradition of goat farming in Carnia.
Together with the excellent baked kid, goat cheese can be tasted every year (including the excellent zoncolan, which takes its name from a peak in the Carnic Alps).
All the farmers in the area are invited to participate and present new experiments, made with a cheese that is too little valued.
Casa della Gioventù, belonging to the parish of Timau (you must have a mat and a sleeping bag). Tel. +39 333 160 3806
Albergo Da Otto, in Timau. Tel. +39 0433 779358
Starting point NOT reachable by car.
The closest location accessible by car is Cogliat.
Departure point NOT reachable by bus.
The closest location reachable by bus is Paularo, departing from the town of Gemona with a change in Tolmezzo.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Departure point NOT reachable by train.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
