THE PONTONE NOTEBOOK · 01
Valle delle Ferriere
Into the green, following the water
From the village into a coast of water and greenery. A walk to see how landscape and human endeavour came together, among footpaths and the remains of old ironworks.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND
Water has shaped the valley.
The Canneto stream runs through the valley, past waterfalls and traces of former industry. The ironworks give the upper valley its name; further down towards Amalfi, paper mills tell the story of the Valle dei Mulini. Walking here is also a way of reading the landscape: water, greenery and walls left among the trees.
LANDMARKS ALONG THE WAY
One step after another.
The trail starts in the village: reach it from Via Tuoro before counting the route distance.
The square, then the trail
From the fountain in Piazza San Giovanni, trail 323a crosses the village westwards and reaches the dirt path towards the ironworks. Locate the start before leaving Pontone.
The ironworks ruins
Trail 323a ends at the ruins, where it meets trail 325: 1.7 km from Pontone’s square. The reserve visit and return walk are additional.
The reserve is a separate visit
The upper section of trail 325 continues towards the reserve. Arrange admission beforehand: reaching the ruins does not mean you have access to the protected area.
BEFORE SETTING OUT
The trail and reserve have different access arrangements.
Visiting the reserve requires booking through the Municipality of Scala and an admission ticket. The area protecting the Woodwardia radicans fern is excluded from ordinary visits. Agree on your visiting slot and arrangements with the municipality before setting out.
How much time to allow
If you include the reserve, set aside half a day for the valley, with time to walk, stop, visit and make your way back at ease.
Terrain and equipment
This is a hiking trail, with uneven ground and potentially wet sections. Wear shoes with good grip, carry water and keep your hands free. Choose another outing if using a pushchair; with children, consider their walking experience and the day’s conditions.
The connection towards Amalfi
Trail 325 has been affected by a landslide and a diversion. Before using it to descend to Amalfi, check the accessible route and respect any closures. To return to Pontone, you can retrace trail 323a.
PLAN THE RETURN TOO
Back to the village.
For an outing from Pontone, plan your return along trail 323a as well. If you decide to finish in Amalfi, arrange the uphill journey by bus or taxi beforehand, once you have checked the walking connection. The steps back to your residence come on top of the walk.
Plan your journeysChoose a day and route that suit your pace. Check weather and local conditions before leaving, and respect any closures. This guide helps you plan the outing; it does not replace a walking map or instructions on site.