Cuscionu Plateau: Punta di Rinucciu or Castellu d’Ornucciu

Since 2022, new routes have been established. Their aim is to divert footpaths away from the pozzines as much as possible. The hike to Punta di Rinucciu offers a stunning view of the Cuscionu plateau and the pozzines (notably the Pian d’Ornucciu below). Depending on the season, you may spot horses, cows, pigs, flocks of sheep… or even see the red kite, the golden eagle and, more rarely, the bearded vulture soaring overhead.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.53 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 732 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 748 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,715 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,993 ft

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the Bucchinera Refuge.

(S/E) Continue along the track on foot and go through the gate. About 50 metres further on, you’ll come to the first sign saying ‘start of the trail’.

(1) Turn left and leave the track. You’ll reach a first junction (not shown on most maps).

(2) Turn right towards “violu di a Petra” and “violu di i Pastori”. Initially heading north-east, the path veers to the right to rejoin the track you left earlier.

(3) Turn left onto the track. Continue for about 150 m until you reach a sign for “Punta di Rinucciu”.

(4) Turn right and leave the track. From this point, the route is a return journey to the summit. There are some very steep sections, and occasionally slabs, towards the end of the path, but there is no danger of serious falls (as there are no cliffs). Follow the cairns, which will lead you to the summit.

(5) Descend by following the same route as the ascent.

(4) Follow the track to the left.

(3) Stay on the track until you reach the first junction you passed on the way up.

(1) Stay on the track to reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,033 ft - Bucchinera Refuge car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.08 - alt. 5,023 ft - Sign marking the start of the trail
  3. 2 : mi 0.33 - alt. 5,010 ft - At the junction, turn right
  4. 3 : mi 0.78 - alt. 5,085 ft - Trail junction
  5. 4 : mi 0.89 - alt. 5,079 ft - Sign: ‘Punta di Rinucciu’
  6. 5 : mi 1.33 - alt. 5,715 ft - Punta di Rinucciu
  7. S/E : mi 2.53 - alt. 5,033 ft - Bucchinera Refuge car park

Notes

To reach the car park at the Refuge de Bucchinera, which is the starting point for the hike, you will need to follow a 12 km track from the village of Quenza. As the track is in very poor condition (with numerous potholes and ruts), it will take between 45 minutes and an hour by car to reach the car park.
The building is currently disused. There are no toilets, no water supply and no catering facilities. You must not drive through the barrier or continue along the track. You will need to follow the signposts and cairns (piles of stones). Please do not add stones to the cairns. This path is not open to mountain bikes. Mountain bikes must remain on the main track.

Always check the current and forecast weather conditions so that you can pack your rucksack accordingly. The weather can deteriorate rapidly on the Cuscionu plateau (thunderstorms, rain, hail, strong winds and fog), which can lead to a drop in temperature and make the walk more difficult. Stay alert. It can get very hot.

There are no water sources along the route. Remember to bring a sufficient supply of water for each person.

Wear appropriate clothing for mountain hiking (walking or trail running shoes).

Please behave in a way that respects the mountain environment: be discreet (drones are prohibited), keep the area clean (take your litter and rubbish with you), keep your dog on a lead, do not plant parasols on the pozzines, and do not use walking sticks on the pozzines. This is not a picnic area but a protected natural area where wild camping is prohibited (including in the car park).

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Sydeone
Sydeone

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Absolutely brilliant – a really lovely place to visit and no major difficulties; a proper, relaxing walk.

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jp.argentel
jp.argentel

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk – only set off when the weather is certain, as fog can roll in quickly.
It’s best to set off very early to see the wild herds.

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