Ford through river Riu Sa Teula

The route between the Gennargentu Mountains and the coast is not for those afraid of water. You have to negotiate several fords through the Sa Teula and Girasole rivers. Except in midsummer (July and August), they are always water-filled. More in winter and spring, less in autumn. Water depths of half a meter can be a real challenge. But that is not the only challenge this track presents us with. On its last section, above the Barcu Corbini gorge, a stage runs along the steep slope.

But first things first. The beginning is, as is usually the case, quite harmless. A short steep section on a decent track, which then leads slowly downhill towards the Santa Lucia reservoir over the next six kilometers. There the first test awaits in the form of two fords through the Riu Sa Teula. Water level depends on the season. The route continues above the river. A decent track, wide enough, lots of curves, wide views over olive groves and maquis. That changes when the course of the Riu Girasole comes into view. Now a narrow, bumpy track circles along the Barcu Corbini gorge and requires increased attention due to its numerous blind bends. But what a spectacle: the walls of rugged rock and jagged stone rise steeply into the sky and seem to swallow up the world of people in the distance. The narrow, clear river winds between the massive rocks, its water jumping over polished pebbles in an endless game and lingering in small, clear pools that shine like mirrors in the sun.

Once this stage is over, the next challenge follows: fording the Girasole, the sunflower river. As we said - the time of year determines the level of difficulty. Finally, there is a final steep climb, then the end of the route is in Villagande Strisaili.