ABOUT THE TERRITORY
The current trail network in Ogliastra extends for about 440 km. In the Munduge-Eltili area in the municipalities of Baunei and Talana the total length of the trails reaches 50 km, all within the Eltili Forest and the municipal area around Mount Munduge. The total area extends over about 6,000 hectares, and includes numerous naturalistic, geological, cultural and archaeological points of interest.
This is a wild and solitary area, overlooked by State road SS 125, forming an amphitheatre of hills dotted with limestone rocks and clothed with dense Mediterranean scrub and scattered imposing holm oaks along the gullies, as well as sparse reforested conifer stands. The only year-round (perennial) watercourse in the area is the Rio Eltili. The western portion is characterised by granite formations sculpted by the wind to form the characteristic ‘tafoni’ (cavities).
The highest peak is Mount Lopene (700 m asl) where there is an equipped park and a panoramic terrace.
The area crossed by the trail was used in the past especially for pastoral activity: evidence of the widespread pastoral economy is given by the names given to various localities: Cuile (sheepfold) Scala Sterria, Cuile tentige, Cuile Serra Oddala.
The most evocative places include the Rio Mamutorco waterfalls, with enchanting pools and scenery; Gorropu de Ghirovai, a canyon set between two high limestone walls, atmospheric and wild, and surrounded by stunning landscape; the Frondio mine, a long abandoned mining site; the ruins of the ancient village of Eltili, which was abandoned around the 16th century due to a devastating plague, and of which the country church of Santa Lucia and San Giovanni remains; and Paule Munduge, which takes its name from the charming marshland (paule) that forms in the rainy season.
The most important archaeological sites in the area are the Sa Serra Nuraghe and the Lopelie Nuraghe, which offers a panoramic view of the Tortolì plain and the Gulf of Arbatax.
The trail is classified as a hiking route (difficulty E = Hiker - intermediate) and allows you to reach the entire mountainous part, either via a long route or by using short branches to visit individual points of interest.
Forest exploitation activity, as well as animal husbandry, was also intense and is evidenced by the many traces of charcoal pits dating back to the 19th century, several charcoal terraces, mule tracks, paths and several various charcoal storage buildings. Today, extensive pastoral activity still remains, although in decline, while forestry activity has only one aim: to preserve the existing forests.
WARNING: Beware of the rocky ground and limited number of water refill points. Stay on the marked paths. Do not pick any plant or animal species. Do not disturb wildlife (avoid loud noises).
