Southern Ridge - Scala 'e Marras

Approach

From Oliena follow the signs towards Monte Maccione. The road winds through Oliena before climbing steeply towards Supramonte. At the restaurant "Monte Maccione" - which can be used as a base for climbing Punta Carabidda and Punta Ortu Camminu - look for a parking place for your car.

Route Description

Altitude Gain: 900m
Duration: 4h
Difficulty: Hike and Scramble
Trailhead: Restaurant "Monte Maccione"

By far the more difficult of the two ascent routes to Monte Corrasi. First follow the same forest road as for reaching Scala 'e Pradu. Also take the same shortcut on the left hand side. Shortly after the shortcut rejoins the road another dirt road turns off on the right hand side and heads south below the Monte Corrasi west face. At first it keeps roughly the same elevation and follows all "dents" in the west face. The road "ends" turning into a footpath with a fence to its western (right hand) side.

The footpath runs along with the fence on one side, the mountain on the other and after 2km again meets another forest road which descends for some 300m of altitude. At an intersection take the left hand road and follow it towards south. You can distinguish Scala 'e Marras, a saddle between Monte Corrasi and Punta Solitta which you head for. The road disappears into the forest and where it ends start the climb towards the saddle (due east).

There is no trail to speak of - you must find your own way among the old oak trees. At this point a GPS and a compass are of invaluable help. The Scala 'e Marras ends as a gully at its base and once you hit this gully you can't go wrong. There are a couple of climbing stretches (grade II) and a steep ascend between oaks and rocks.

Once in the saddle turn north onto Monte Corrasi's south ridge. In its steeper part, instead of following the ridge directly, head for a small valley to the east which will lead you to the base of the summit block. Here again use your orientational sense to find the best scramble up onto the peak.

This route can be combined with the northern one to form a loop. Start out from the north as the orientation is much easier from the top.

Essential Gear

Hiking gear is sufficient. Bring a compass and/or a GPS (if you have one).

Images

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