Pontone – Minuta – Valle delle Ferriere (high route) – Pogerola – Amalfi – Pontone
Duration: 10,7 km
Travel time: 5h 30′
Path – 500 meters in altitude. Mostly through the Mediterranean scrub with a descent from Pogerola to Amalfi on a wide flight of steps. The bottom of some portions of the path and the presence of some small (and easy) fords require the use of footwear suitable for the rough terrain.
Approach – From Salerno: crossroads for Ravello and crossroads for Pontone. From Naples it is also possible to reach Ravello through the Chiunzi Pass (from Angri). From Sorrento to Positano – Amalfi.
Logistics – Easy parking in Pontone (suggested departure) but with the possibility of starting (and ending) from Amalfi or Pogerola. Bus from Amalfi to Pogerola and Pontone.
Services and Refreshments – Bars and restaurants in Pontone, Pogerola and Amalfi. Following the indicated departure, Pogerola offers a good break from the walk for lunch in one of the trattorias with typical cuisine. Possibility of bathing in Amalfi.
.
The route goes around the Valle delle Ferriere in the highest part following, halfway up, the slopes that surround it. You start from the little square of Pontone overlooked by the church of San Giovanni Battista. With the church door behind you, take the ramp that goes up to the left and, a little further on, the first staircase on the right, (near a fountain) that leads to the ruins of the basilica of Sant’Eustachio.
In the ducal period the basilica was one of the most impressive buildings in Southern Italy. Continuing further we arrive at the church of the Annunziata di Minuta, dating back to the end of the 11th century. Continue on the road that leads from Scala to the Campidoglio hamlet. Continue to climb for another 300 meters along the steps on the left until you cross a large pedestrian area (via no. 57 del CAl starting from the nearby hamlet of Campidoglio). Turn left and enter the most spectacular part of the itinerary. The route runs along the side of the mountain with a wide curve, offering a view that simultaneously embraces Amalfi, Atrani and Ravello.
From here the route does not present notable variations in altitude, remaining almost always on the edge of the 400 meters of altitude up to almost Pogerola which lies at a height of 300 meters. The path is marked with the red signs of the CAl. A little further on you come across an unexpected fountain and, then, in a small gallery. Immediately afterwards a slight descent begins which leads to a flat stretch up to a small stream to be forded. On the other bank, following the watercourse for a short stretch, the road turns into a narrower path. The particular location of the land, on the side of the valley less exposed to the sun, hosts ferns, brambles, shrubs and stretches of wood. You pass two waterfalls and, about five hundred meters after the last stream, you come to a fork in the path. Both routes are marked by the CAI; take the road on the left (via n. 59) and proceed slightly downhill towards Pogerola, up to the main square.
From the square, go back towards the hinterland for about ten meters, then turn right downwards. There is no possibility of making a mistake: follow the staircase to the town of Amalfi where you meet the main road (to the right, it leads to Piazza Duomo). To return to Pontone, turn left, and follow the road for a few tens of meters, until you reach a staircase on the right. The staircase leads to a pedestrian street, here you turn left and continue up to the next flight of steps which climbs to the right, passing under a building. This is the Salita per Pontone to follow up to a crossroads where you turn right. At the next crossroads, turn left and continue climbing until you reach the road; cross it and through a short flight of stairs you will arrive in the little square of Pontone.
