STAGE 2: Madonna di Senale – Marcena di Rumo (18.5 km)

The Jacobean Way of the Val di Non on this second stage enters the Rumo Valley, more isolated and with alpine charm, where nature is less domesticated.

The hike starts from the square in Senale: following the Cammino signs, we head almost 2 km along the provincial road to the Urban farm. From here we descend on dirt road, crossing the Novella stream and taking trail No. 1 towards Lauregno. Among fir forests and mountain meadows, we pass Croce della Barba at an altitude of 1400 m, in the municipality of Castelfondo, and continue walking along the slopes of Mount Dìan and then descend on a forest road to Maso Egger.

The descent continues amid thrilling views of the Brenta and Maddalene groups, the Presanella glaciers, and even the Catinaccio, to Lauregno, a corner of the South Tyrol of yesteryear, built around the ancient parish church of St. Vitus built at least 1,500 years ago. In the countryside around the settlement, ancient varieties of apple trees (including Gravensteiner, Parmena dorata, Renetta di Champagne) show fruit of exceptional quality.

Trail No. 2 runs from Lauregno through meadows and woods, with the walk likely to be accompanied by fleeting appearances of the many squirrels that inhabit these areas. Proceed on the provincial road that reaches the Pescara stream, which is to be crossed by then climbing up a steep narrow road. The route gives way to a forest road that descends to Corte Inferiore, one of the villages in the municipality of Rumo, from where in a little more than 2 km you reach the end of the stage: Marcena. Here peasant dwellings and those of the rural nobility alternate, while Santiago de Compostela (St. James), the protagonist of this walk, welcomes us in one of the graceful frescoes in the buildings from number 44 to 55.

If the stage turns out to be too long, it can be interrupted in Lauregno.

Length: 18 km
Height difference in ascent: 569 m
Downhill elevation gain: 995 m
Highest point: 1578 m
Lowest point: 915 m
Type of surface: mixed

Place of departure: Senale San Felice
Starting location: Madonna di Senale
Municipality of arrival: Rumo
Place of arrival: Marcena di Rumo

Recommended period: March to October

The most spectacular scenery in the Val di Sole and Val di Non opens up along the seven stages of the Jacopean Way of Anaunia, in that portion of Trentino that stretches westward toward the peaks of Adamello and Stelvio.

Anaunia is the ancient name for Val di Non, where during the Middle Ages devotion to St. James inspired many men and women from Trentino to set out as pilgrims for Santiago de Compostela. The Jacobean Way retraces some of the stages tackled and, with the slow pace of walking, leads to the discovery of the beauty of the valley, where art, history, faith and culture are intertwined, set in stupendous views.

The itinerary in Val di Non runs on country roads immersed in the silence of forests and apple orchards, but it also penetrates the area’s farming villages to experience direct contact with the valley’s inhabitants and their traditions. Places of hermitages and frescoed churches where pilgrims found refreshment are encountered along the route, which today is marked by the unmistakable yellow shells.

The Jacobean Way is within the reach of anyone, as long as they have a good workout behind them because of the length of the stages. It is passable in all seasons, with spring as most recommended: the temperatures are not too high and you can enjoy the spectacle of the apple trees in bloom.

Before setting out, obtain the Credential, which can be stamped in churches along the Camino and allows access to discounted rates at “Pilgrim Friendly” establishments. To request it, write to APT Val di Non: info@visitvaldinon.it. It will be sent home free of charge.

Credits: APT Val di Sole, APT Val di Non and Anaune Association Friends of the Camino de Santiago