STAGE 8: Colle Le Cese – Campi Vecchio (20 km)

The route crosses the border between Marche and Umbria, contouring the Castelluccio Plans, the largest tectonic depression in the Sibillini Mountains, with splendid panoramic views that have the imposing western slope of Cima del Redentore as their backdrop.

From the wide lonely expanses of the Piani, we soon move on to the scenery of the Campiano valley, sprinkled with villages, castle ruins and churches.

The route winds along the ridge that surrounds the Castelluccio basin to the south and west, until it reaches Forca di Giuda (1,794 m.), a small saddle between Monte Patino and Monte delle Rose. From here we descend into the Campiano valley toward the Forca di Ancarano, then continue on the trail to the village of Campi Vecchio.

Length: 20 km
Uphill elevation gain: 449 m
Height difference on descent: 1089 m
Highest point: 1794 m
Lowest point: 836 m
Type of surface: mixed

Municipality of departure: Arquata del Tronto
Starting location: Colle le Cese
Municipality of arrival: Norcia
Finish location: Old Fields

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.