Monte Faito and Molare

Those who are used to the lower Lattari slopes believe these mountains are less wooded and more sunexposed, so will be surprised by the abundant shade and cool air found here, not to mention the ease of this itinerary.
The altitude is classic Apennine with age-old beeches and constant outcrops of limestone, so much so that in many places We walk directly on the surface layer.
To the side, steep chasms plunge downwards into the dense woodlands. Yet on reaching the top, it is obvious just how close we are to the sea, as we glance at the coast below, where the cobalt sea laps the white stone, against a backdrop of green woods. This is a truly unique experience.
The path is always wide and easy, and there is no risk of getting lost because there are “CAI” markers as well as huge red arrows with a letter “M”. The summit of Pizzo San Michele,
better known as the ‘Molare’ for its silhouette, is one of the most extensive landscapes in Campania. We find ourselves on one of the highest parts of the massif and in a glance
our eyes can sweep across practically the entire park territory, with its eastern outcrops sloping towards the Nocera-Sarno countryside, as far as Punta Campanella, on the far west tip. On clear days every mountain in the region is visible: to the north, Gaeta, Massico
and Matese; to the west, Tifatini, Partenio, Picentini and Terminio; to the south, Alburni and the Cilento ranges behind the Gulf of Salerno. Not to mention the unmistakeable outline of Vesuvius, just a stone’s throw away. In the sea we will have no trouble spotting the islands of the Gulf of Naples: Ischia, Procida,
Capri. The latter appearing particularly close, almost part of the peninsula, due on the perspective of this view.

Best known itinerary

From the centre of Castellammare di Stabia, which is at sea level, the upper Station (1,102m) can be reached by cableway in 8 minutes. CAI path 36 is our starting point, reach the Acqua Santa spring, where a large niche in the base of the wall offers a rest spot and the springs provide excellent drinking water.

The trail continues down a gentle slope, then climbs slightly, and is always wide and accessible. In a few minutes we encounter the Alta Via dei Lattari path (CAI 00); the right path heads towards Mount Molare (1,444 m) and Croce della Conocchia (1,266 m); the left path heads for Agerola through the Palmentiello valley. This itinerary passes by the foot of the tall, crumbling crags of Mount Catiello (1,326 m) and may sometimes be closed if it is considered dangerous. Then it bears right towards Mount Molare, along uphill bends completely shaded by beeches. At the end of the climb and the beech grove we find rocks once more, at the Mount Conocchia (Alta Via dei Lattari path) and Mount Molare crossroads.
Continuing for another 4-5 m, the western slope offers a magnificent view of the peninsula. Turning left and proceeding for a further 200 m, we reach a pass at the southern base of Mount Molare. Lastly, we reach the summit by continuing on a steep but clear trail that meanders up amidst small rocks.

We can return by retracing our steps to the starting point.

Tips

Level of difficulty: E (easy, for everyone).

Slope: about 200 m uphill from the quarry forecourt; 300m from the cableway station.

Walking time: 2 hours from the quarry forecourt: 6 hours from the cableway station. This is for the outward trip only.
Recommended equipment: mountain shoes, hat, windbreaker, day backpack, water.

Notes

This route may not be practicable in winter because of snow and ice. When the weather is bad, the last part of the path may be shrouded in cloud and fog, so visibility is heavily reduced. If there are children in the group, we recommend caution in the last section and at the top of Mount Molare.