STAGE 5: Garulla – Rubbiano (11 km)

We travel up and down the eastern bases of Mount Castel Manardo (1,917 m) and Mount Priora (2,332 m), crossing the deep valleys of the Ambro and Tenna rivers.

Dominated by the peaks and walls of massive limestone and red flake that grip the Ambro and Infernaccio valleys, the route winds through that “mosaic” of environments that characterizes the transition areas between the hills and the mountains. Mixed forests of oak, chestnut, hornbeam and beech trees alternate with small fields, pastures and shrublands. Holm oak grows on the sunny slopes, while in the valleys traversed by streams we find poplars, willows and alders.

Numerous mammal species such as wolf, wild boar, wild cat, badger and fox live in these transitional hill and mountain environments. Due to their predominantly nocturnal habits, it is not easy to encounter them, but by observing the ground it is possible to discover signs of their presence.

Length: 11 km
Elevation gain: 430 m
Downhill elevation gain: 530 m
Highest point: 889 m
Lowest point: 567 m
Type of surface: mixed

Municipality of departure: Amandola
Starting location: Garulla
Municipality of arrival: Montefortino
Finish location: Rubbiano

Recommended period: all year round

The Great Sibillini Ring is a hiking route of about 124 km that encompasses the entire mountain range found in the Umbria-Marche Apennines. Divided into 9 stages, it is fully signposted and allows you to get to know, in addition to the multiplicity of landscapes and natural beauty, part of the priceless historical and cultural heritage that this territory preserves.

The Great Sibillini Ring is among the most beautiful routes incentral Italy. Through the nine stages it is possible to circumnavigate the territory of the Sibillini Mountains National Park, visiting the history of its small villages and the wilderness of its mountains. The tour encompasses the Park in a clockwise direction, starting from the location of Visso and returning to it after passing through some characteristic places, such as the ancient route of the Kingdom of Naples, the Sanctuary of Macereto, the town of Fiastra and the lake of the same name, the Abbey of San Salvatore, the Argenta Valleys Museum, the Abbey of St. Vincent and Anastasius, Mount Carrier and more.

On the way you can enjoy the Apennine landscape and spot the wildlife that inhabits the Park. The excellent organization of the park authority, as well as the great availability of information regarding the routes, allows for dynamic organization of the tour, enabling you to change its length according to your availability of time and energy.