Circular route to the south of San Pantaleo

Start at the junction of Via Pompei and Via Alessandro Manzoni (parking available nearby or at the start of Via Alessandro Manzoni).

(S/E) Follow the road uphill along the ridge to an unoccupied house. Note that at one point you’ll come across a ‘private road’ sign. The people we met didn’t say anything to us; this walk seems fairly well-known and this is the only access point.

(1) Follow the dirt track as it winds its way into the heath (no markings, but the remains of an old noticeboard that must have described the walk or walks). The path is very narrow but clearly marked. After about a hundred metres, cross the wall – which until now has been on your left – through a small gap and continue through the scrub along the gently ascending path. There are already some lovely views of the mountain and the scrub. On the left, a rocky outcrop that clearly serves as a playground for experienced climbers.

(2) At the junction between the southern and northern paths round the second rocky outcrop, continue to the right, taking the southern route. This seems preferable unless you wish to tackle a more challenging route from the start (the fork isn’t clearly signposted but is clearly visible).
The path climbs steadily through the scrub or undergrowth to a fork that you mustn’t miss.

(3) Turn left onto the path that climbs up the hillside. The gradient is steep, but the path is well-marked and very easy to follow. You’ll reach a first pass before descending onto the eastern slope.

(4) Cross a rocky area where the path is much less clearly marked due to the rather stunted vegetation.

(5) Pass through a wall via a gateway marked by two vertical boulders, which serve as an excellent landmark. You will then begin a descent that occasionally follows a dirt service track.

(6) At the water collection point – recognisable by its relatively new walls and numerous black polyethylene pipes – follow the path that heads up the slope alongside the stream bed (dry in April). You’ll find a path branching off to the left after about 150 metres.

(7) Follow the path as it climbs up the hillside (note that the path shown on the OpenStreetMap hiking base map is in fact only a barely visible track; at this point, a GPS can be very useful). Reach the final pass of the walk, then begin a very steep descent until you rejoin the route taken on the way there.

(2) Turn right onto the path you followed on the way there and head towards San Pantaleo (S/E).

This walk isn’t really difficult, despite a few fairly steep sections, mainly because it’s a short walk.
You should nevertheless set off with good walking shoes, plenty of water and, if necessary, protection against the wind.
Several sections are very steep, but it’s still walking, not climbing.
As for navigation, a GPS is ideal but not essential; the main thing is to avoid taking a wrong turn at (3).

Carrying on straight ahead at the (7) seems like an interesting alternative for anyone wanting to complete a proper circular route (though this involves a stretch along the A-road – a route I haven’t tried myself).

Apart from at the start, there are no houses in the immediate vicinity.

The main attraction of this walk lies in discovering the flora and the magnificent views that appear regularly, particularly between (4) and (5), with a stunning view over the Olbia plain.
Furthermore, the village of San Pantaléo is a lovely place to stop for a break at the end of the walk.