MAPPA
PERCORSI
PUNTI DI INTERESSE
CICLOVIA DEI CRINALI
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Outdoor Valdaso
All routes
Tipi di percorsi
The Capuchin Way - Bike
These two stages are part of the Cammino dei Cappuccini (link), from Camerino to Montefortino and from Montefortino to Castignano. A route that crosses the Marche region, linking places of great spiritual and cultural importance linked to the Franciscan tradition. It is a journey that is not only physical, but also interior, an opportunity to reconnect with nature and history, following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims in a landscape that has maintained its charm intact over the centuries.
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Crinali della Valdaso Cycle Route - Stage 02 - from Montelparo to Montemonaco
We resume the Ciclovia dei Crinali route, continuing to cycle towards the mountains, which are no longer so distant. The first town we reach, after 5 kilometres, is Santa Vittoria in Matenano, historically linked to the feud of the imperial Abbey of Farfa and rich in historical evidence. After a few ups and downs, the road begins to climb steeply until it reaches the 800 m height of Montefalcone Appennino, scenically built on a sandstone cliff and with splendid views of the valley. The village is watched over by the tower of the ancient castle and is rich in points of interest such as the small but fascinating fossil and mineral museum. As we leave the village we pass through the ‘foro delle scalelle’, a 47-metre tunnel with few similarities in Italy, dug directly into the rock with hammer and chisel in 1837. We begin a long descent that takes us to Comunanza, the only historic town in Valdaso built on the valley floor. The town is an important reference point for the upper Aso valley and brings together many services; a medical centre, pharmacies, supermarkets, shops, restaurants and much more. Across the river, on the right bank, is the town's cosy historic core, where the Museum of Sacred Art, part of the Sistine Museums network, stands out. From the 446 m of Comunanza, the lowest point of the day, we begin to climb again, but still with some ups and downs, until we reach Montefortino. The town, perched on high ground, possesses a significant heritage of cultural assets, including the Pinacoteca Civica (Civic Art Gallery ) housed in the fine and elegant Palazzo Leopardi. After Montefortino we are left with the final climb that will take us to the 983 metres above sea level of Montemonaco, the day's finishing point and the highest point of the entire Ciclovia. About a couple of kilometres after leaving Montefortino, on our left is the junction for the church of Sant'Angelo in Spino. It is a diversion on a dirt road, suitable for those with good legs or a charged battery (it is about 2 km for 170 m of elevation gain), but the church, isolated on the top of a hill, very ancient and with its unusual structure of opposing apses, is well worth the effort. The final climb continues soft and rideable and with a final effort here we are in Montemonaco, at the foot of the great mountains and gateway to the Sibillini park.
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Lost villages and lonely churches
We set out from Comunanza and, passing through the historic centre, we follow the course of the Aso river. We cycle along dirt roads to Lake Gerosa, skirting it to immerse ourselves in the hilly landscape. Before the dam we cross the river again, near the ancient Roman bridge of Gerosa, which is certainly worth a stop. With the lake on our right, we continue to the short diversions to the Romanesque church of San Giorgio all'Isola with its distinctive architecture and enriched inside with precious frescoes, an ideal place for a refreshing stop. We continue on our way and reach the provincial road, which we take to the left, beginning to climb more steeply. Having passed our maximum altitude of 950 metres above sea level, we continue along the ridge road and, at Propezzano, make another diversions to the church of San Vito di Propezzano, which welcomes us to the hillside in an evocative atmosphere. Continuing on, we reach Polverina, where we detour among the houses to reach along a dirt road the church of Santa Maria Assunta, in a splendid position but still bearing the signs of the last earthquake. From here, we return to the provincial road to leave it shortly afterwards, following a route that takes us to the village of Gabbiano, not before another diversions to the small church of Sant'Emidio, set in a timeless landscape. We then return to the ridge road, and at Croce di Casale we turn onto smaller, unpaved roads to the abandoned hamlet of Nasuto, with its distinctive church of 20th-century architecture. From the meadow behind the church we can say goodbye for the last time to the grandiose panorama of the Sibillini Mountains. We continue with a fairly tough but short climb, and then continue downhill along lovely dirt roads to our return to Comunanza. The route is demanding, but an e-bike can make it easier, allowing us to fully enjoy the places while suffering less fatigue.
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Journey through history
We start our route from Ortezzano, after exploring the historic centre, which is full of points of interest. We begin the tour by heading towards Monte Rinaldo, along the Via dei Crinali. After a few photos from the panoramic terrace, we begin our descent to visit, shortly afterwards, the archaeological site of La Cuma, an exceptional structure, once a place of worship of the Romans, dating back to the 2nd-1st century BC. Arriving at the bottom of the valley, we go up the river westwards, with a diversion to the fortified mill of Sixtus V, perfectly preserved and a vestige of a distant past. Nearby, the future EVA agrifood pole is under construction, designed to welcome and showcase the food excellence of Valdaso. We return to the valley floor road and shortly after begin the climb towards Montelparo, passing by the picturesque country church of Santa Maria in Camurano, framed by the surrounding greenery. In Montelparo, we allow ourselves a visit to the historic centre, with its ancient alleys and panoramic views. Our itinerary continues via Sant'Elpidio Morico, and then we head towards Monte Vidon Combatte. Before arriving, if tiredness does not set in, we can take a diversion to the left to explore the ruins of Collina Vecchia, evocative and steeped in history. We finally reach Monte Vidon Combatte, where the small historic centre awaits us, before returning to Ortezzano, satisfied and enriched by the experience. The itinerary has some challenging climbs that require good preparation. However, with an e-bike, these climbs are more accessible, allowing the views and villages to be enjoyed effortlessly.
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Franciscan Way of the Marches - Stage 6
This itinerary, which is part of the Franciscan Way of the Marches, runs for about 22 kilometres, starting from Sarnano, an enchanting medieval village located at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains, and ending in Comunanza, another locality immersed in the green hills of the Marches. Sarnano, the starting point of this journey, welcomes the walker with its perfectly preserved historic centre. Strolling through its narrow cobbled streets, admiring the stone houses and ancient churches, is an experience that reconnects with the deep roots of the Marche culture. Sarnano is also known for its thermal baths, making it a perfect stop for those who want to combine a love of history with physical well-being. Leaving Sarnano behind, the route enters a varied natural landscape that alternates between gentle hills and mountain views. The route passes through vineyards, olive groves and woods, offering a continuous view of the Sibillini Mountains, the majestic peaks that dominate this part of the Marche region. Along the way, we pass through hamlets and small villages where time passes slowly and daily life still follows the rhythms of nature. These places preserve intact the authenticity of rural life in the Marche, and represent an opportunity to discover the true essence of this region, far from the beaten tourist circuits. The path is characterised by a variety of terrains that make the hike interesting and never monotonous. With a positive height difference of around 630 m and a negative height difference of more than 700 m, the itinerary presents some challenges, making it particularly suitable for hikers with good physical preparation, looking for an immersion experience in the beauty of the surrounding nature. The time needed to complete the itinerary generally varies between 6 and 7 hours, a time frame that allows you to fully enjoy each stage, without hurrying, savouring every corner of the landscape and perhaps stopping for a regenerating break in one of the many suggestive places along the way. Each step leads closer to Comunanza, the final destination, where the walker is welcomed by a quiet and hospitable village, immersed in greenery and rich in history and traditions. This walk is part of the broader Cammino Francescano della Marca (link), a route that follows the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi through central Italy. Walking along this itinerary means not only exploring the natural beauty of the Marche, but also discovering their bond with spirituality and nature, palpable in every moment of the walk.
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Monterubbiano - Moresco Trekking Ring
We start from the centre of Monterubbiano, from the square of the collegiate church of Santa Maria dei Letterati, leaving the town walls through Porta San Basso. Through minor streets, in just over a kilometre we reach Moresco, the small but mighty fortified village, watched over by the soaring heptagonal tower. After patrolling the small hamlet, we begin our walk through the green countryside, crossing the provincial road and walking along a small ridge road that will soon become unpaved, with the view sweeping all around, as far as the sea in front of us. At kilometre 3.5 from the start, at an obvious V-shaped fork, we keep to the left to descend to the bottom of the small valley and climb up the other side, heading back towards Monterubbiano.
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At the foot of Monte Vettore
We begin our itinerary from Montemonaco, descending towards the bottom of the Aso valley. Once at the bottom, we face the first ascent along the Crinali cycle route, until we reach the fork that we take to the right in the direction of Montegallo. Our route unfolds like a ring that passes through the picturesque villages of Balzo, Piano, Castro and many other hidden gems that make up the scattered municipality of Montegallo. Each stop gives us enchanting glimpses immersed in the silence of nature. After closing this loop, we return to the previous junction to resume the Crinali cycle route towards Comunanza/Montemonaco. Along the way, the church of San Vito at Propezzano is worth a photo and a stop (we recommend climbing to the end of the village to avoid the first very steep ramp) and the isolated church of Santa Maria Assunta at Polverina, in a beautiful isolated position but still bearing the signs of the last earthquake. A few more kilometres and we begin our descent, turning left for Illice until we reach Lake Gerosa, which we skirt as we climb up the Aso valley. At San Giorgio all'Isola, after a much-needed stop to visit the interesting Romanesque church of San Giorgio, and also for a restorative break, we tackle the last climb of the day to complete the tour at Montemonaco. The itinerary presents a demanding difference in altitude and requires good physical preparation. There are a few hairpin bends, but thanks to an e-bike we can tackle them without too much effort, enjoying the landscapes and characteristic places to the full.
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Crinali della Valdaso Cycle Route - Stage 04 - from Rotella to Marina di Altidona
We leave Rotella for the last stretch that separates us from the return to the beaches of the Adriatic. The wake-up call is given to us shortly after our departure by a somewhat challenging first climb that then turns into a falsopiano that accompanies us to Montedinove, the first village of the day. The small town, perched on a hilltop, is rich in history and elegant architecture, culminating in the recently renovated piazza-belvedere. It is home to a Sistine museum and the Picene Tombs Museum. Less than three kilometres and we are in Montalto delle Marche, one of the main centres of Valdaso with an extremely interesting and articulated historical centre and with interesting museums to visit, such as the Bishop's Sistine Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Prisons and others. Montalto is also the highest point of today's route, at 530 m above sea level; from here, the road begins to descend steeply, until arriving, after about 10 km, at Carassai, another fortified village with some very valuable views. We still descend for about five kilometres before tackling the last real climb of the day, which will take us up 130 metres in altitude to reach Montefiore all'Aso, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, with a well-preserved historic centre, inside which stands the Museum Centre of San Francesco. The interior of the church, now deconsecrated, is embellished with frescoes and works of art, while the rooms of the former convent house a precious polyptych by Carlo Crivelli, recently restored. We continue our descent, with the sea now in front of us, to reach the last town in our necklace of ‘pearls’, Campofilone. The town is known throughout the world for being the centre of production of the well-known durum wheat semolina pasta, made in a semi-artisanal manner, but the town certainly deserves a tour of its historic centre, up to its peak, the so-called abbey garden, today a simple meadow enclosed within ancient walls and with a beautiful view of the valley and the mountains now distant and in the background. Our journey is almost at an end. Just a few more kilometres downhill and we are in Pedaso, which we will cross by taking the Adriatic cycle path along the coast, ending on the cycle/pedestrian bridge where we started, while below us flows the river Aso, which has also reached its destination.
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Crinali della Valdaso Cycle Route - Stage 03 - from Montemonaco to Rotella
We begin our return journey towards the sea, leaving Montemonaco with a beautiful descent that takes us past the Aso river (which has recently begun its journey here, from the nearby source of Mount Porche) to ascend the opposite slope and resume the route on the right-hand ridge of the river. From the bottom of the valley, taking a right, we can reach Foce, the last outpost to start exploring Mount Vettore and reach the solitary Lago di Pilato. Taking a left, on the other hand, you can quickly reach Lake Gerosa, anticipated by the peculiar architecture of the church of San Giorgio all'Isola. Our route, however, crosses the river at an altitude of 730 metres above sea level and climbs up the opposite slope to reach an altitude of 950 metres, the point at which the fork for Montegallo branches off to the right. Montegallo is a widespread municipality divided into 23 hamlets, with the municipal seat in the village of Balzo. The village, the closest to the epicentre of the 2016 earthquake, still bears evident signs of the strong tremor, with many of its houses still secured by wooden structures and steel cables. The charm of these villages, at the foot of the imposing mass of Mount Vettore, has remained intact, however, and those who love the mountains cannot miss this diversions. Resuming the route from the previous fork, the road begins to descend along a very beautiful and scenic stretch. Along this stretch we do not encounter any inhabited centres for a long time, but only silent hamlets and solitary churches, such as San Vito at Propezzano or Santa Maria Assunta at Polverina. It should therefore be borne in mind that for the first twenty kilometres, from Montemonaco to the tavern of the Croce di Casale hamlet, we will have no possibility of provisioning, while to reach the first real town, Force, we will have to arrive at kilometre 32. However, the road accompanies us on a quiet descent or slight falsopiano for the first 25 kilometres, when we join Provincial Road SP 93, which we take to the left towards Force, beginning a 7/8 % climb of about 1.5 kilometres. The road then continues falsopiano until km 30, when we arrive at the junction for Force, a village perched on a side ridge that we reach in just over a couple of kilometres by taking a left. Force has a beautiful historic centre and is known for being the town of copper and copper workers. The village is home to the Copper Museum and also one of the Sistine Museums of Sacred Art. Returning from our diversions, we take a left to pass the hamlet of Castel di Croce and finally reach Rotella, a village still guarded by the 15th-century clock tower and home to the interesting Piccolomini Museum of Sacred Art.
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From the sea to Montefiore dell'Aso and Campofilone
We begin our description starting from Marina di Altidona, but you can use the train+bike mode by getting off at Pedaso station. We descend south along the Adriatic cycle track, enjoying the spectacle of the sea to our left. After a short final stretch where the cycle track ends and we continue along a path, at Marina di Massignano we leave the sea and turn right, crossing the provincial road and passing under the railway bridge. We begin to climb on secondary roads, with unpaved sections, amidst the green of the surrounding nature. The climbs take us to Montefiore dell'Aso (405m asl), a charming village with lively squares and monuments. Not to be missed is the museum centre of San Francesco, with its ancient church embellished with 14th-century monuments and frescoes and, in the rooms of the ancient convent now used as a museum, a precious polyptych by Carlo Crivelli. It is definitely worth taking some time to explore the museum and the town, discovering hidden corners and refreshing ourselves with a local sweet in one of the cafés. We resume our journey and begin the return journey towards the sea, again along minor and little-used roads. We pass the lake of Montecantino and continue on to Campofilone, another historic village, famous for its egg and durum wheat semolina pasta, a product that has received the IGP denomination. The village welcomes us with its charm, and we enjoy getting lost in its historic alleys. We complete our descent along a narrow street with beautiful views of the sea in front of us. Just before the final ramp on the coast, the dirt road towards the slopes of Mount Serrone is worth a short diversions to contemplate the panorama that opens up before us, with the sea merging with the horizon and the Pedaso lighthouse at our feet. Satisfied with this tour, we return to the Adriatic cycle route and head north to close the tour breathing in the saltiness.
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Ascent of Monte dell'Ascensione
We set off from Rotella, the historic centre at the foot of Mount Ascension. Our first destination is Poggio Canoso, a charming medieval village where we stop to visit theMount of the Ascension Ecomuseum to better understand the area we are going to explore. After the stop, we resume the route on a dirt road that climbs through the scents and silences of the countryside. When we reach the provincial road, we turn right and continue south, keeping to the left at the first fork. Shortly afterwards, on our left, begins a long stretch of dirt track, well marked and without abrupt inclines, which guides us to the summit of the mountain. The last hairpin bend reveals an unusual and somewhat apocalyptic landscape, dotted with a forest of antennas and repeaters. However, it is worth continuing to the cross, from which a breathtaking view opens up over the plain of Ascoli: below us the crags of the mountain and the white gullies, and in the distance, the city of Ascoli. We begin our descent along the most challenging section of the route, a dirt road with a surface that is not always smooth and with some steep sections. After a few kilometres, we join a smoother dirt road that we take by turning left. After a short uphill stretch, we again descend and, at the first asphalted crossroads, we turn left again to reach the hamlet of Capradosso and continue quietly to Rotella. The uphill dirt road is smooth and without tears, with a good surface even if some sections are a little rough. The descent is the most technical part of the route. Ideal route for off-road e-bikes.
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The Capuchin Way - Stage 15
The hiking route between Montefalcone Appennino and Rotella offers a fascinating journey through the hills and mountains of the Marches, combining breathtaking views with an experience rich in history and spirituality. The journey begins in the charming village of Montefalcone Appennino, located some 742 metres above sea level. This ancient village, perched on a rocky spur, welcomes visitors with its medieval architecture and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. It is the ideal starting point for an excursion that promises to reveal the hidden beauty of Le Marche. The route covers about 20 kilometres, crossing an area that alternates between mountainous and hilly stretches, dirt roads, nature trails and a few paved sections. Along the way, you will encounter places of great interest, such as the village of Force, another small jewel of the Marche hinterland. Force offers an opportunity to take a break and immerse oneself in the authenticity of local life. The route then continues to Rotella, the final point of the itinerary, another picturesque village that enchants with its tranquillity and rustic charm. As you walk, you are constantly surrounded by a varied and inspiring landscape. The hills follow one after the other, offering panoramic views ranging from green valleys to shady forests. It is an itinerary that offers moments of great serenity, whose difficulties are more than compensated for by the beauty of the landscape and the feeling of harmony with nature that one experiences along the way. With a positive height difference of around 742 metres, the route is suitable for hikers with a good level of fitness. The total length of the route, almost 20 kilometres, implies an estimated duration of 6 to 7 hours, depending on the pace of walking and breaks. This itinerary is part of the Cammino dei Cappuccini (link), a path that crosses the Marche region, linking various sanctuaries, churches and convents run by Capuchin friars. The Capuchin Way offers an experience that goes beyond a simple hike, becoming an inner journey through history and faith. The arrival in Rotella marks the end of an itinerary that is not only a route through the mountains, but also a path that traverses the soul of the region, revealing the deep bond between man and his territory. Rotella, with its historic centre and welcoming atmosphere, is the ideal place to appreciate even more the richness of a region that has much to offer to those who decide to explore it slowly.
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From Montefiore dell'Aso to Montecantino Lake
We leave from the centre of Montefiore dell'Aso, after a nice breakfast and a much-needed visit to the beautiful old town, with views of the sea and the Apennines. We leave in the direction of the cemetery, continuing to the entrance. Once in front of the gate, we take a secondary road to the left, shaded and gently descending, which, amidst relaxing views of the countryside, will take us to the shores of Lake Montecantino, a small artificial reservoir hidden in a small valley. We arrive at the dam, which cannot be crossed, but not far to the left, a short descent takes us to a bridge, which we cross. Here begins a steep climb that will take us to via di Fonte Trufo, where we turn right to return to our starting point.
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Up and down the Aso Valley
We start out from Comunanza, the only Valdaso village to rise on the valley floor, an ideal starting point for exploring this land. We pedal along minor roads, immersing ourselves in the green hills, and reach Force, an ancient village that seems suspended in time, with its stone houses and narrow streets winding among picturesque views. After a brief stop, we continue downhill towards the valley floor, from where we begin the ascent on the opposite side. Here, Montefalcone Appennino awaits us, another charming village perched on a rocky spur, where the medieval castle, guardian of centuries of history, stands out. We cannot fail to visit the local museum, which preserves precious archaeological artefacts and works of art that bear witness to the local culture and traditions. We conclude our journey by descending along a minor road, which in the last stretch turns into a dirt road. We reach Comunanza once again, gratified by the views and beauty of these places. The route has little dirt road but two rather long climbs, which require some training. However, with an e-bike they are easily tackled, allowing us to fully enjoy the landscape and the villages.
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Gravel bike ring, Rotella - Force
We leave the village of Rotella and tackle the first kilometre and a half of a demanding climb that takes us up Contrada Colle, a long dirt road that winds gently over a ridge of hills offering splendid views of the Sibillini Mountains and Valdaso. As we pedal into the beauty, the outline of the village of Force, our destination, stands out in front of us. Before that, however (at about km 8 from the start), we recommend a short diversions to the left to reach the fascinating ruins of the church of San Taddeo, a place lost in time watched from afar by Monte Vettore. We finally reach Force (km 13), where a stop is a must to visit the ancient village (don't miss the Ramai museum) and to recharge your batteries. We resume cycling on an asphalted section that follows the level lines, which allows us to enjoy a smooth ride to the small village of Quinzano, where we can admire a superb panorama of the Sibillini mountains. A fine stretch of dirt road brings us back to the provincial road, which we follow for about one kilometre northwards. At the fork for Montemoro we turn right and begin the return journey through cultivated fields and vineyards, an ideal route to fully appreciate the rural landscape (with the possibility of wine tasting). Continuing on, we arrive in the compact and ancient village of Poggio Canoso, another small jewel hidden among the hills that offers fascinating views and the sensation of being in a place out of time.The village is also home to the Ecomuseum of Monte dell'Ascensione.From here, the route takes us back to Rotella, closing a ring that combines nature, history and tranquillity, perfect for gravel lovers.
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On the two ridges
We start from the picturesque village of Monterubbiano and following the Crinali cycle route, which runs along the ridge, we cycle to Petritoli, another enchanting village with its civic towers and breathtaking views of the valley below. We then continue on to Monte Vidon Combatte, where time seems to stand still, and continue to Ortezzano, a picturesque village dominating the surrounding landscape. We descend to the valley floor, cross the Aso river and begin to climb the south ridge, approaching the historic fortress of Montevarmine. The view accompanies us as we reach Carassai, a charming village with its ancient brick houses. Don't miss a visit to the oldest nucleus as far as the small panoramic square. After a short break, we continue towards Montefiore dell'Aso, a village rich in monuments and with the San Francesco museum centre that is certainly worth a visit. Leaving the village, we descend again to the valley floor and tackle the longest climb of the day, six kilometres that lead us to Moresco, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its crenellated tower and evocative alleyways. We conclude our tour by returning to nearby Monterubbiano, enriched by unforgettable views and a unique experience. The route is perfect for ‘road riders’ with the peak of the physical effort in the final climb from 50 m at the bottom of the valley to 440 m at Monterubbiano. With an e-bike you can avoid the greater effort and enjoy the landscapes and places.
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Valdaso landscapes
Starting from the church of Montottone, easily reached from Petritoli and with parking facilities, we walk south along a quiet asphalt road. After a short while, we turn left onto a dirt road that, amid fields and gentle slopes, leads us towards the ridge. Here, we cross the asphalt road and take a country lane to the left, climbing up the hill to a spectacular viewpoint, where our gaze embraces the beauty of Valdaso at 360 degrees, among hills, villages and, in the distance, the sea. After a break, we retrace our steps to the provincial road, turn right and then left again to return to the church. Nearby we find a park equipped with tables, perfect for a picnic immersed in the tranquillity of this enchanted corner of the Marche.
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The Capuchin Way - Bike -Stage 5
This itinerary is a fascinating adventure on two wheels that winds its way between Camerino and Montefortino, two villages steeped in history and immersed in the evocative landscape of the Marche region. Starting from the historic town of Camerino, located at an altitude of about 609 metres, cyclists begin their journey crossing the region's green hills and majestic mountains, immersing themselves in an area that is a veritable treasure chest of cultural and natural treasures. Camerino, with its ancient walls, the Ducal Palace and the Rocca Borgesca, offers a historically rich start. Leaving this medieval village behind, the itinerary heads south, entering the heart of the Monti Sibillini National Park. This section is particularly fascinating, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, between deep valleys and high ridges. Nature is the protagonist here, with the possibility of encountering animal species typical of the Apennines and admiring a varied and lush flora. The route is about 73.5 kilometres long, with a total altitude difference of about 3240 metres, and is demanding even for the most experienced cyclists. The climbs, sometimes steep, test endurance, but every effort is rewarded by the beauty of the landscape and the satisfaction of tackling such a demanding route. The descents also require attention, especially in the more technical sections where the terrain can become treacherous. After crossing places of rare beauty and overcoming the hardships of the heights, the arrival in Montefortino marks the end of this intense experience. Situated at an altitude of 573 metres, Montefortino is a village that preserves its medieval atmosphere intact. Its narrow streets, the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Ambro and stone houses welcome cyclists with their timeless charm. This small town at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains offers a well-deserved rest and an opportunity to reflect on the beauty and challenge of the route just completed. In terms of time, the entire route takes at least five hours to complete for well-trained cyclists. However, it is advisable to take more time to fully enjoy the wonders along the way, stopping to admire the views, take a break or visit places of interest. This itinerary is part of the Cammino dei Cappuccini (link), a route that crosses the Marche region, linking places of great spiritual and cultural importance linked to the Franciscan tradition. It is a journey that is not only physical, but also interior, an opportunity to reconnect with nature and history, following in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims in a landscape that has maintained its charm intact over the centuries.
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The Capuchin Way - Stage 16
The hiking route starting in Rotella and ending in Offida offers an immersive experience in the beauty of the hills of the Marches, combining breathtaking views with a route rich in history and spirituality. This route, which winds its way through the gentle slopes and mountains of the Marche hinterland, begins in the small village of Rotella, located about 388 metres above sea level. From here, the route runs for almost 22 kilometres, crossing landscapes that alternate green hills and shady woods, until it reaches the historic town of Offida, located at 319 metres above sea level. Along the way, you are constantly accompanied by a variety of natural scenery that changes with the passing of the hours and the altitude. Along the way, views open up, alternating between wide expanses of cultivated fields, lush woods, and glimpses of the surrounding mountains that make one feel the reassuring presence of the high peaks, while remaining on gentler and more accessible paths. Every now and then, between one bend and another of the path, one can catch a glimpse of small villages that seem suspended in time, with their stone houses, narrow lanes and silent squares that tell stories of a simple and authentic life. There is no lack, along the way, of evidence of the profound spirituality that pervades this land. The Cammino dei Cappuccini (link), of which this itinerary is a part, is in fact a route that combines nature and faith, touching places of great religious importance. Each stop is an invitation to reflection, a pause that allows you to breathe deeply not only the pure air of the hills, but also the history and spirituality that these places jealously guard. The route, while offering glimpses of rare beauty and moments of peace, is not without its challenges. The total height difference of over 1,000 metres requires good physical preparation. However, these difficulties are amply repaid by the satisfaction of each step that brings you closer to your destination, and by the feeling of connection with your surroundings that grows stronger with each kilometre. Altogether, this itinerary represents a hiking experience of medium difficulty, stretching some 22 kilometres. The estimated duration to complete the route varies from 6 to 8 hours, depending on the pace of the hiker and the breaks one decides to take to admire the views or visit places of worship along the way. At the end of the journey, the arrival in Offida marks the end of an itinerary that is not only a journey through space, but also an inner journey. Offida, with its characteristic historic centre and ancient traditions, welcomes the traveller with the typical warmth of the Marche, offering the opportunity to appreciate even more the beauty of a region that has much to offer to those who know how to discover it with the right spirit.
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Gravel bike ring, Monte dell'Ascensione
We start out from the historic centre of Rotella, a charming village at the foot of Monte dell'Ascensione. The first stop is Poggio Canoso, where we visit theMount of the Ascension Ecomuseum, a stop that introduces us to the territory we are going to explore. We resume the route on a nice dirt track that leads us to the provincial road; here we turn right and, at the first fork, keep left to head south. The road begins to descend and we soon take a new dirt track to the left. We face a short but steep ascent, beneath the imposing crags of Monte dell'Ascensione, which from this side shows its wildest and steepest side. We reach Polesio, a village that seems suspended in time, and continue on to the little church of San Giacomo, where we turn left onto a long, unpaved climb. Here the views of the gullies are simply spectacular. After two kilometres of ascent, the road becomes easier, and we begin the descent towards Capradosso, a small hamlet that we reach by a diversion to the left. We continue past the Montemisio sanctuary, a small corner of peace, and finally return to Rotella, our souls filled with beauty. A few challenging climbs require some training, but with an e-bike suitable for dirt roads, these climbs can be tackled without excessive fatigue, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding landscapes to the full. Be careful on the downhill sections on dirt roads.
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