This stage is very demanding due to its length, the lack of shade and the constant ascents and descents that accompany us throughout the route. However, the effort is rewarded by three scenic treats: the view of Lago Maccheronis in the distance, the crossing of the eucalyptus forest and finally the majestic Monte Tepilora (530 m).
A stage you should avoid in the height of summer.
The stage is quite difficult due to some tricky passages (invasive vegetation). Some experience and good training are required.
Lack of water sources: bring a good supply.
Signposts are often not present (the only signposted part is in the eucalyptus forest). The first 4/5 km of the route are rough: brambles, stones and tall grass. It is advisable to divert and return to the road and resume the trail as soon as it is passable again. With the exception of the first few kilometres, the path is always visible - we are often on a dirt track. In any case, it is good to follow the GPS track, as there are several crossings and it is therefore easy to get lost.
We leave the village of Sant’Anna and immediately take the path, which is impassable for the first few kilometres due to brambles and stones. For this reason, we must detour back onto the dirt road parallel to the path and walk on asphalt for a few kilometres before returning to the path.
We begin a climb (about 150 m height difference), after which we see the colourful Lake Maccheronis on the horizon, the sight of which accompanies us for a while as we walk along a somewhat overgrown path. At the end of the small climb, we return to the dirt road and begin the descent (about 200 m drop) until we come to a well-preserved pinnettu. A little further on, we cross the riu Posada (dry), above which there are beautiful oleanders. Beyond the river we walk for a while through a shady, fragrant eucalyptus forest. We climb up (about 100 m height difference) and return to see the western end of Lake Maccheronis - after another 2 km we can take a detour and go swimming.
We continue along a dirt road surrounded by increasingly wild nature - we have entered the Parco Naturale della Tepilora - and finally catch a glimpse of the mountain of the same name (530 m), the real gem of the day and a distinctive element of the area, its triangular rock shape jutting out from the dense holm oak forest and Mediterranean scrub. Just below Tepilora is a kind of natural cave where we can have lunch in comfort - there are even chairs and a table... made of stone (it looks like the house of the Flintstones!).
We continue on a dirt road and from here on - it's the last 10 km - we enjoy several shady sections as the trees get a bit taller. We leave the Tepilora behind us and continue on a dirt road until we reach a crossroads where we find the sign for the forest barracks “Gianni Stuppa”. A little later we reach our destination.
The Parco naturale regionale di Tepilora (Tepilora Regional Nature Park) was established in 2014 through a bottom-up initiative and declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 2017. The park, which covers 8,000 hectares between the municipalities of Bitti Lodè, Torpè and Posada, includes numerous forests, many of which are characterised by the presence of holm oaks, strawberry trees, rosemary, myrtle, heather and wild orchids.
The symbol of the park is the triangular peak of Mount Tepilora, 530 m high - although the highest peak is Nodu Petra Orteddu (976 m). Numerous wild animals, such as the Sardinian wild boar, mouflons, wild cats and golden eagles, live within the park, between granite plateaus and limestone peaks.
In the municipality of Bitti there is the Museo Multimediale del Canto a Tenore, a place where the culture of Sardinian polyphonic singing is studied and transmitted.
Tenor singing has been recognised by UNESCO as a “Capolavoro del Patrimonio Orale e Immateriale dell'Umanità” (Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity) and is a true symbol of Sardinian culture. In the museum it is possible to immerse oneself in this ancient art, thanks to audiovisual materials that make it possible to understand its secrets. Some rooms of the museum are dedicated to traditional dances, often accompanied by tenor singing.
For more information on opening hours and tickets, visit LINK.
Sa frue is a fresh cheese called “almost-cheese” because it is usually made from curdled milk. It was a quick meal for shepherds and was made from freshly milked milk.
It is portioned in small parallelepipeds and has a similar consistency to stracchino and a slightly sour taste. It keeps for a few days in the whey and is eaten with Carasau bread.
Caserma Forestale "Gianni Stuppa", within the Sos Littos-Sas Tumbas forest area (it is a forest barracks and you must call to get overnight accommodation). Tel. +390784 414587
The starting point is accessible by car.
The starting point can be reached by bus, starting from the city of Nuoro.
Here is the LINK to check the timetable.
The starting point is NOT accessible 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!
