Itinerary 205 - Montevecchio - Guspini / Arbus - Gonnosfanadiga - Villacidro
Stages 7-8-9
WARNING: Montevecchio is not directly accessible by public transportation. You can reach Montevecchio via private transfers, or we recommend including this itinerary as part of a longer route, for example, if you plan to cover the previous stage or multiple stages.
Cosa dicono gli altri camminatori
Tappa 07
Total Length: 16,0 km
Difficulty: Medium
Travel times: 5 hours
Climb up: 541 m
Climb down: 609 m
Through the ancient path of the miners, you will descend from the metalliferous hills of the Guspinese-Arburese area down to the Campidano plain, where you will see basalt flows deriving from Tertiary volcanism thanks to the spectacular geological site of the basalt columns, and then climb the hill by walking on granite rocks to reach the town of Arbus.
The typical landscape of agricultural and livestock activities. Then you enter the Linas mountain range with its large forests and rich variety of mineral deposits.
Safety and useful tips
The downhill from Montevecchio involves crossing the SP04 road from Montevecchio towards Guspini several times. Watch out for crossings of the asphalted road, which often occur near curves and hairpin turns.
Once in Guspini, you have to follow an urban route, therefore pay attention to the urban traffic.
You will finally arrive in Arbus and once again you have to follow an urban route, so watch out for vehicular traffic.
During the downhill from Montevecchio, and also in the small village itself, you will come across several disused buildings and mining structures in an obvious state of disrepair, with the exception of those for which a passageway or a specially guided tour has been created. Avoid crossing the fences and/or venturing inside them, but always admire them from a distance without leaving the Trail.
Stage 08
Total Length: 15,4 km
Difficulty: Medium
Travel times: 5 hours
Climb up: 498 m
Climb down: 375 m
The first part of the stage reaches the Campidano plain, where you can see the typical landscape of agricultural and livestock activities characterised by olive groves, almond groves and vast expanses of pasture land. You then enter the Linas mountain range, with its large forests and rich variety of mineral deposits.
Attention: there are no accommodation facilities in Perd’e Pibera so we recommend to sleep in Gonnosfanadiga
Safety and useful tips
The initial section runs along an urban route in Arbus, therefore watch out for vehicular traffic.
Immediately after the archaeological site of the Giants’ Grave of San Cosimo, the route proceeds to a ford on the Rio Terra Maistus. If weather conditions are bad and/or if the river course is in flood and fording is difficult, it is recommended to follow the alternative route (in red) that leads to the SP04 road.
The passage allows to bypass the ford and resume the route shortly afterwards. While crossing the SP04, make sure to pay attention to vehicular traffic.
Halfway along the route you have to pass through Gonnosfanadiga, where you also must pay attention to urban vehicular traffic.
Attention: there are no accommodation facilities in Perd’e Pibera so we recommend to sleep in Gonnosfanadiga
Tappa 09
Total Length: 15,6 km
Difficulty: Hard
Travel times: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Climb up: 975 m
Climb down: 1098 m
This stage is not too long, but quite challenging.
You will pass through majestic holm oak woods while walking on granite rocks and crossing several streams, until you reach the lush citrus and cherry tree gardens of Villa Scema.
From the mine chapel of Perd’e Pibera, to the ancient church of Villacidro, which is dedicated to Santa Barbara, the cult of the patron saint of miners is strongly present.
Safety and useful tips
The route proceeds uphill from Perd’e Pibera to Sella di Genna Farraceus, then the path continues downhill to the park of Villa Scema, where you have to ford the Rio Derettu. Should this watercourse be in flood and the ford impassable, it is recommended to proceed through the alternative route that runs directly on the asphalted road. If you take such a route, pay attention to vehicular traffic.
In the vicinity of Villacidro, the route winds through the residential area, therefore you must pay attention to urban traffic.
The stage is challenging due to its length and elevation gains, so you should adequately prepare for it.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN GUSPINI OR ARBUS AND GONNOSFANADIGA
(making a simple donation)
HOW TO GET TO MONTEVECCHIO
WARNING: Montevecchio is not directly accessible by public transportation. You can reach Montevecchio via private transfers, or we recommend including this itinerary as part of a longer route, for example, if you plan to cover the previous stage or multiple stages.