Let’s set off together with our friends from Va sentiero for the last expedition on the Cammino Naturale dei Parchi (Nature Trail of the Parks), which will take us to the basilica of Colle Maggio (L’Aquila).
We resume our journey with our friends from Va sentiero from Corvaro near the Monti della Duchessa nature reserve, walking through the Malito valley, an enchanting place, before reaching the Castiglione plateau. We end our first day of walking at Lake Rascino, an unexpected and magical place where we can refresh ourselves by eating lentil soup produced right here in these places.
The second day of this last week’s walk continues towards Antrodoco. Before reaching this wonderful village, we pass Mount Nuria, leaving behind us the magical Rascino plateau.
Descending the slope, we come across the De Angelis refuge and then stop in the village of Rocca di Fondi, a place that is uninhabited during the winter but very lively in spring and summer.
After a short rest, we head towards Antrodoco, where we spend the night at the Il Castagno hostel, a small accommodation facility that has developed thanks to the presence of this nature trail.
It is the third day of the expedition. Our destination is the village of Cittàreale. We decide to combine stages 17 and 18, given the slight difference in altitude of the route. We cross this wonderful territory along the Velino gorge. The route
coincides with the CAI Salaria 150 trail, running alongside the Velino stream. We walk through gorges washed out by water over geological time, observing everything from below, along a road whose name has reflected its destiny since ancient times. You can breathe in the history of the past.
The Salaria was a road that the Sabines used to bring salt to their lands. Within this wonderful atmosphere, we reach Cittareale and the Luceppe farmhouse, an enchanting place run by a fantastic family,
starting with Father Filippo and then his son Emidio, not to mention his wife and grandchildren.
On the fourth day, a unique stage awaits us, perhaps the most beautiful of this wonderful journey, leading us to Accumuli. Today, we are joined by a friend who has come from far away, Pitter, a young man from Manchester who, after travelling extensively, has decided to live in these parts. This stage is uniquely beautiful for its landscape, but it also has a unique value for the humanity we have always encountered. Giorgio’s wonderful family lives in these places and, thanks to their kindness, they have always accompanied us along the natural path of the parks.
A chance encounter in 2016 with our long-time friend Alessandro Giordani.
Returning to the expedition, we first reach the Aleggia refuge and then tackle a pleasant climb that takes us to Monte Prato.
Once we reach the top, we head towards the Tosti refuge and then arrive at the wonderful Pantani di Accumoli, where we make a short stop. We have entered the Gran Sasso Laga National Park.
Our expedition continues towards Accumoli.
The fifth day of walking towards Amatrice begins. This stage, like the ones that follow, encapsulates all the wounds that these territories bear as a result of the 2016 earthquake.
These are enchanting places with breathtaking scenery, but they are also full of pain.
On this stage, we meet many friends, in particular two dogs, a Maremmano sheepdog and a mongrel, who escort us to Amatrice, where our long-time friend Fortunato from the natural trail is waiting for us with the municipal administration.
On the sixth day, our destination is Lake Campotosto with the Anici di Va sentiero. It is impossible to describe the landscape as it is so rich in nuances that it needs to be experienced to appreciate its beauty. The walk is pleasant as the route, although slightly sloping, allows us to admire the rich biodiversity of the area.
After a long trek, we reach the enchanting Monte Cardito, which allows us to admire the beautiful landscape of Lake Campotosto, with Gran Sasso standing out in the distance. We walk the last stretch and then meet our friend Assunta Perilli, the weaver with her wooden loom.
On the seventh day, our destination is San Pietro della Jenca. Today, we decide to combine stages 23 and 24, passing through Val Chiarino, an enchanted valley, skirting the stream that leads us to the foot of Monte Corvo, where we come across the Fioretti refuge and then enter a beautiful beech forest that leads us to the Panicucci refuge, where we can admire an enchanting view of the Vasto valley. The sheep track that leads to San Pietro della Jenca is very clear and easy to follow. We begin our descent and arrive in the early afternoon.
The last day of walking arrives and we are all a little tired but happy to arrive in L’Aquila to end our wonderful experience.
On this last stage, we talk about all the wonderful days we have spent together. Although tired from the long days of walking, we are happy to end our experience in a city like L’Aquila, where daily life is beginning to return to normal after the disastrous earthquake of 2009.
The stage is beautiful, full of biodiversity and evocative landscapes. We first reach Collebrincione, passing in front of the Vecchia spring, and then arrive at Madonna Fore, a place very dear to the people of L’Aquila and a destination for hikers.
The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. We pay a brief visit, then set off again on the nature trail towards L’Aquila, where we are welcomed with great celebration by the municipal administration.
Our journey along the Natural Path of the Parks with the Va Sentiero expedition ends here. Follow us for new stories and new adventures.
See you soon.
