Via Ferrata Castello di Medusa

Introduction:

The Via Ferrata of the Medusa Castle in Samugheo is a circular route that extends for about 400 meters around the fortress dominated by the ruins of the Medusa Castle. From here you can admire the power of the limestone massif that rises vertically for 90 m and enjoy an unusual aerial view over the impressive Araxisi valley.

Starting location:

The starting point of the itinerary is the Catello Rifugio of Medusa located between Samugheo and Asuni in the hinterland of Oristano along the SP 38. About halfway between the two towns along the provincial road it will be necessary to turn towards the hinterland (left if you come from Samugheo, right from Asuni) along a single-lane dirt road that in 5 Km takes us to the hut.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

About 20 minutes from the Rifugio del Castello car park by a downhill path towards the Castle. At that point we follow the signs for "Araxisi". Shortly we reach the stream and then at a crossroads: to the right towards the stream and to the left towards the ferrata. Access to a horizontal ledge surrounding the entire large rocky outcrop called "Sa Conca de Su Casteddu" and the via ferrata (20 'from the parking lot).

Via Ferrata:

After the start, go up a short diagonal 3 meter stepped ramp and follow a narrow horizontal ledge that goes around the rock. Above us is the Castle while below our feet is the Araxisi stream. Continue along an easy stretch of rocks until you reach a stretch where the cable ends and a path begins. This first section of the via ferrata is finished.

The equipment starts again and begins a downhill stretch, not difficult but aerial. This leads to an overhanging exposed overhang that requires strength of arms and agility in passing it. The stretch is not long but it should not be underestimated. You go around a corner and the via ferrata goes up a vertical overhanging section where the pegs present help the progression. Go up vertical for about ten meters in strong exposure until you reach a passage in the rock. In fact we enter a cavity that leads us to the opposite side of the rocky spur. We begin a stretch of climbing that is facilitated by the cambra present. Once the descent is over, a horizontal traverse begins where there is little space for the feet. Then continue on a comfortable ledge and reach the end of the metal equipment (1h 35 'from the parking lot - 1h 15' total).

Descent:

Climb the path up to a fence that goes around and reach a path that soon leads us to the hut (20 'from the end of the ferrata - 2h total).

Notes:

The ferrata is of moderate difficulty and takes place in a surprising environment of the Sardinian hinterland. There is a single aerial and physical passage that raises the degree of difficulty of the via ferrata.

Opportunities:

Going back up the Sardinia you can continue towards the west coast they meet in succession the Ferrata Regina (ca 2h of car), the Via Ferrata Giorrè (1h 45 ') and the Via Ferrata Cabirol (ca 2h 15 'by car). If you continue towards the Tyrrhenian coast you meet the Ferrata of Badde Pentumas (1h 45 'by car). A separate discussion deserves the Via Ferrata degli Angeli which requires taking the boat from Porto San Paolo to Tavolara. In the province of Carbonia Iglesias we meet in the inland the Ferrata of Gutturu Xeu and on the coast la Ferrata del Pan di Zuccheto.