CANYONING IN PENTUMAS
CANYONING FOR EXPERIENCED PARTICIPANTS
FULL-DAY CANYONING EXPERIENCE
REFERENCE TIME:
from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
INFORMATION
- Highest abseil: 25 metres
- Equipment: provided by us
- Technical experience required: previous mountaineering experience is required
- What you need to bring: backpack, at least 2 litres of water, hiking shoes, layered clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen and packed lunch
- Requirements: no fear of heights and a good level of physical fitness
- Price: €55 per person, with a minimum group of 4 participants, technical equipment included
BADDE PENTUMAS
Badde Pentumas is a dry canyoning route located in one of the most spectacular and wild areas of the Supramonte of Oliena, specifically in the Sa Sovana Valley, north of the Lanaitho Valley.
The equipped canyon features no fewer than 12 abseils, with the following sequence:
3 + 25 + 6 + 25 + 10 + 9 + 10 + 17 + 20 + 10 + 20 + 12 metres.
The numerous abseils, some of which involve technically demanding starts, make this route particularly suitable for experienced participants. The complete route takes at least 7 hours.
THE APPROACH TREK
To reach the entrance of the Pentumas gorge, we first have to tackle a moderately difficult hike along a well-established trail, covering approximately 5.2 kilometres with around 600 metres of elevation gain.
The trail climbs along the steep walls of the northern side of the Lanaitho Valley, offering spectacular views across the entire valley. On clear days, the view can even extend as far as the sea.
The approach begins not far from the Sa Oche e Su Bentu refuge, passing close to the Nuragic village of Sa Sedda 'e Sos Carros.
We immediately begin the climb, which takes around an hour and a half and leads us to the slopes of Monte Ortini, at an altitude of 708 metres.
Throughout the hike, we enjoy impressive views over the Lanaitho Valley. Along the way, we also encounter several old shepherds' huts, reminders of the traditional pastoral life that once shaped these mountains: Cuile Sa Vicu, Cuile S'Ucradu and, at the highest point, Cuile Orthini, which is still occasionally used for mountain stops and overnight stays.
THE SA SOVANA VALLEY
Cuile Orthini marks the highest point of our route. From here, we begin our descent towards the wild Sa Sovana Valley, where the remains of an ancient settlement can still be seen.
According to an old legend, a treasure is hidden somewhere in this valley. Local tradition tells that, fearing the imminent arrival of the Saracens, the inhabitants of Oliena hid jewellery and gold inside two bronze bells, which were then buried beneath three magnificent oak trees.
Leaving the legend to the stories handed down by local shepherds, what remains before us is an extraordinary and unforgettable landscape.
Surrounding us are the impressive peaks of Punta Cusidore, rising to 1,147 metres, and Punta Sos Nidos, reaching 1,348 metres.
We are now deep in the heart of the Supramonte of Oliena.
THE START OF THE CANYON
To reach the entrance of the Pentumas canyon, we have to cross the entire Sa Sovana Valley.
The large holm oaks surrounding us seem to guide us towards a narrow passage leading to the first abseil.
This section of the valley is known as Su Boccaportu, a place name whose exact origin remains uncertain.
Ahead of us, a spectacular landscape begins to unfold: the deep Pentumas gorge cuts through the limestone of the Supramonte, opening between high rocky walls and creating a truly impressive setting.
The origin of the name Pentumas is also uncertain. It may be connected to the pre-Roman suffix -uma and the Latin verb pendere, referring to a gorge, precipice or particularly steep and inaccessible ravine.
The Sardinian verb ispentumare may also derive from Pentumas, meaning to scatter, cause something to fall or send something to ruin.
THE BADDE PENTUMAS DESCENT
The first 25-metre abseil takes us directly into the heart of the gorge.
To cross the canyon completely, we will tackle 12 abseils, moving between deep limestone walls, enormous holm oaks and a natural environment of extraordinary beauty.
The sequence of abseils and the wild nature of the gorge make Badde Pentumas a technical and demanding route, suitable for people with good experience in mountain environments and rope-based progression techniques.
Far from the most well-known trails, this adventure takes us deep into the Supramonte of Oliena, where rock, silence and towering walls accompany us throughout the journey.
Canyoning in Badde Pentumas is one of the wildest and most spectacular adventures in the Supramonte!
LET'S GO CANYONING! ⛰️🧗♂️
