dossier

Undiscovered Umbria Walk

Day 1: Arrive in Campello
You arrive at your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 2: Campello/Cerreto  16km/10mi/5.5hr
A lift to Pettino (1,108m), from here you walk through Judas trees and wild bilberries to the top of Monte Serano (1429m) for stunning views over the Valnerina and snow-capped Monte Vettore (2476m), in the high Apennines. Then through woodland before descending through meadows ablaze with orchids and wild tulips to Cerreto and the aptly named Hotel Panorama.

Day 3: At Cerreto
Perhaps take the local bus to Norcia. Birthplace of Saint Benedict, there is a beautiful main square, the Piazza San Benedetto, a statuesque Palazzo Comunalewith its 13C bell-tower, and a 16C castle originally designed for Pope Julius III with works of art by both Andrea della Robbia and Nicola da Siena.

Day 4: Cerreto/Scheggino  20km/11mi/6hr
Following the old 1920’s Spoleto-Norcia railway through scented meadows of wild asparagus, figs and olives you reach Vallo di Nera. Time to explore its labyrinth of tiny streets before descending to the rushing Nera itself with swifts and swallows - and maybe even glimpse a rare otter - before reaching the pretty riverside village of Scheggino.

Day 5: At Scheggino
Perhaps a circular walk today to the tiny hamlet of Caso or visit the magnificent 8C Abbey of San Pietro in Valle? It has a 12C bell-tower, part of which is Roman, a wonderful two storey cloister and in the nave there is an exquisite 3C Roman sarcophagus. Then back to our hotel where the tempting à la cartemenu offers fresh trout from the Nera and rare species of crayfish (gamberettini), as well of course as local black truffle dishes.

Day 6: Scheggino/Monteluco  6km/9mi/6hr
Today you follow the route taken by Pope Pius IX when he was Archbishop of Spoleto. Across the Nera valley, then up to the panoramic summit of the Castelmonte (1038m). Peregrine falcons cruise on the thermals and the views across Umbria, Le Marche and even Tuscany are just breathtaking. Then down through bright red poppies to the holy mountain of Monteluco and your hotel.

Day 7: At Monteluco
Most customers walk (or taxi) to the former Etruscan city of Spoleto. Perhaps visit the 1C Roman theatre and the imposing 14C Rocca castle built in the stone originally used for the Roman amphitheatre and then stolen by the Goth Totila for his fortress. Not to be missed is the Ponte delle Torri aqueduct, a Gattapone masterpiece that spans the 80m gorge over the river Tessino, but try and make time too for the eight rose windows of the elegant 12C Duomo.

Day 8: Monteluco/Campello  17km/9mi/5.5hr
Down through the lush Vale of Spoleto, a land of pheasants, wild boar and truffles to follow the old railway to the impressive Cortaccione viaduct for wonderful views over the Marroggia valley. Then to Eggi, dominated by its 14C castle. We reach Campello by following the olive trail through some of Italy’s oldest and finest olive groves, farmed since Roman times. Time for a quick tasting before dinner.

Day 9: Leave Campello