Hello, I've seen pictures from the path of gods--simply spectacular.
It looks like it would be awesome but we will be there in mid-August as you may have seen in other threads. I expect you will counsel me that this is a really bad idea given the time of year. Our traveling party is 53,52, 23, and 16. All in good health.
Is there any way this path can be enjoyed that brutally hot time of year?
If so, what would be your best counsel? (Staying in heart of Sorrento)
Thanks in advance!
I think you pretty much answered your question:
(from your post) "Is there any way this path can be enjoyed that brutally hot time of year?"
I've been hiking with someone who fainted from dehydration and heat prostration in high heat-high humidity-uphill situation. It can get pretty dicey, depending on where on the trail they faint, how quickly they recover, and where you are from your car.
The people in your party have to each comprehend and understand what they're getting themselves into.
Of course, we won't be there with you, so easy for (some of) us to say: hey, go for it.
But we don't have any way of knowing the details of the physical condition of your group.
So it's up to you.
We were in Sorrento in early November during lovely weather. A couple in our small B&B, a little older than you but in very good shape, hiked part of this path one day. The next morning at breakfast she couldn't navigate the one step down to the patio! I don't know if they took a wrong turn, or misread the map, or what, but their descent from the trail down to a town involved some ungodly number or steps -- 1800 or 2300! When we crossed paths in the airport a few days later, she still hadn't recovered! Probably worth getting some solid info from a local before you head out.
One of the staff at a hotel in Praiano walks 1200 stairs twice a day, but he's in crazy good shape.
Make sure you can turn back if you need to.
My daughter walked it at 9 years old with no problems or after effects. Mind you she does a lot of walking and does not spend her entire life being driven everywhere like most children in the US. My suggestion for August would be to carry plenty of water, wear a hat, and get a bus to Bomerano as early as possible so you can then walk to Nocelle. It is slightly downhill in this direction. If you are tired at Nocelle you can catch a bus down to Positano. Expect temperatures in the high 80s which I don't find to be an issue but others might.
Depending on the length of the hike, you could get up before the sun and start on the trail as light breaks. You could get in many hours that way before the heat gets intense. We followed this approach hiking in Utah and Arizona in summer and it helped a lot. Then an afternoon nap through the heat as an additional reward : )
Clearly, from the topic headline, I am aware they are going in August, not November. My point is that even during nearly perfect weather conditions there may be unforeseen difficulties.
Something to add to your packing -- cooling scarf with gel to hold water against your neck. I got mine at REI for $10 and carry it everywhere that's hot since I tend to wilt/faint in too much heat. And, of course, hat and water bottle and hand fan.
Thanks, all, for your perspectives and counsel.
Upon further review, this just might be a tad too ambitious for our group...maybe next time :)
Thanks everyone!
