Monte Limbara from north

The track from Berchidda isn't the only unpaved route to Radio Station 4 Carlie. A track also leads up to the plateau from Tempio Pausania. It's challenging, but incredibly fun. Perfect for seasoned off-road enthusiasts.

The journey begins in Tempio Pausania. This town of 14,000 inhabitants is known as the "Città di pietra," the City of Stone, because of its stone houses. The picturesque medieval center alone makes a stroll or a quick espresso worthwhile before setting off. Perhaps you'd like to enjoy one of the local sweets, such as Frisgioli (fried wheat/milk pastries), Acciuleddi e Meli (baked ribbons made with wheat flour, milk, honey, and eggs), or Casgiatini (wheat pastries filled with quark or cheese).

Equipped with the necessary calories, we begin our route. We drove past a motocross track, initially on asphalt. Punta Balistreri was already signposted. "All beginnings are easy," one might say, slightly modifying the proverb given the seemingly simple gravel track. But after just a few kilometers, things got serious. The previously pleasant surface constantly changed between fine, coarse, and sometimes deep gravel, sandy sections, scree, and rocky stretches. Large boulders repeatedly jutted out of the road, while washouts, deep puddles, and tight switchbacks presented additional challenges. Forests and dense undergrowth lined the route, which wound its way up the mountain with very steep ascents and equally steep descents.

Deep longitudinal ruts, rough stones, water-smoothed slabs of rock, and sharp edges demanded high ground clearance, and for the vehicle, four-wheel drive and low-range gearing. Without them, it was impossible. And even with them, a 900-meter elevation gain could be arduous under these conditions. But that's what we wanted. As a reward, a real treat awaits on the plateau of Monte Limbara: the former radio station 4 Carlie.