STAGE 5: Cartore – Rosciolo (8.2 km)

The fifth stage of the Brigand’s trail is a rather short hike, which from Cartore quickly enters Abruzzo territory, ascending to Passo le Forche, below Mount Velino, in the Nature Reserve of the same name. We then descend to reach the striking Church of Santa Maria in Valle Porclaneta, in a lonely location, still on the Velino slopes. The building, of Benedictine origin, is one of the most interesting examples of Abruzzo Romanesque art, with Arab-Hispanic, Byzantine and Lombard influences.

From here, the last 2 km of the route leads to Rosciolo, the end point of this stage, a hamlet of the municipality of Magliano dei Marsi of ancient origins, with a castle and a well-preserved historic center dating back to the 15th century.

Length: 8 km
Elevation gain: 260 m
Downhill elevation gain: 230 m
Highest point: 1223 m
Lowest point: 884 m
Type of surface: dirt road

Technical tips:
Although the itinerary is easily passable and equipped at the various stopping places, it lacks continuous signage, so it is important to follow the proposed gpx tracks.

Municipality of departure: Borgorose
Starting location: Cartore
Municipality of arrival: Magliano de’ Marsi
Place of arrival: Rosciolo de’ Marsi

Recommended period:
from April to October

Useful links:
https://camminodeibriganti.it/

The Brigand’s trail is a trekking route between Abruzzo and Lazio, in the setting of the Central Apennines, that traverses wild and unspoiled nature , tackling old mule tracks and taking in the atmosphere of medieval villages. But it is also a border path: the border in the History of Italy, when the House of Savoy entered the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies on the way to unification; the geographical boundary between the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and the Papal States, where brigands moved from one side to the other on horseback, fighting newcomers; the blurred border between justice and injustice, between the underground chosen by those who could not afford the new taxes and the kidnappings and abuses, made and suffered.

The Brigand’s trail is a 100-kilometer loop trail, divided into 7 stages in this version on foot (but also passable by bicycle), in the footsteps of the Brigantes of the Band of Cartore. We are in the undomesticated wilderness of the Varri Valley, the Salto Valley and the slopes of Mount Velino, a wilderness that continually offers us wonderful views. Along the way we stay at an average altitude (between 800 and 1300 meters).

Credits: camminodeibriganti.it