Abruzzo is wonderful walking country. It is one of the wildest and least populated regions of Italy, with 26 peaks over 2000m, and home to three national parks. There are fine routes throughout this largely protected area, between charming hilltop villages through forests and gorges and along high mountain ridges.

This beautiful natural environment is maintained to a remarkable extent in the region’s three national parks - Abruzzo, Maiella, and Gran Sasso, the Sirente-Velino regional park and many smaller reserves.

The 30-day walks in the guidebook are for people who want to experience the beauties, and perhaps challenges, of a quiet and remote part of Italy.

The routes, which all have a grade for difficulty, vary from gentle strolls to serious expeditions in the mountains. About a third are easy going – a half day generally. Most however are long walks and mountain treks for those who enjoy a full day out. They visit ten of the region’s 16 highest summits, including the three highest points of the Apennines.

The walking season begins in late spring and goes into early autumn – late April to early October.

• 30 walks described in four areas across the region
• illustrated with clear colour sketch maps
• with detailed information about how to reach the more remote start points

Inhoud:

Introduction

Abruzzo 
Geological history 
Human history 
Wildlife 
Food and drink 
Walking in Abruzzo 
When to go 
Getting there 
Getting around 
Places to base yourself 
Daily essentials 
Maps 
Using this guide 
Advice for the trail

The Maiella National Park

1 Fara San Martino Gorge and Val Serviera 
2 The Hermitage of San Bartolomeo di Legio 
3 Monte Morrone from Passo San Leonardo 
4 The Orfento Valley 
5 Caramanico and the Orfento Gorge 
6 Monte Amaro from Lama Biancha 
7 Monte Amaro from La Maielletta 
8 Monte Porrara Ridge

The Gran Sasso National Park

9 Monte Prena and Monte Camicia 
10 Santo Stefano and Rocca Calascio 
11 The West Peak of Corno Grande 
12 Monte Bolza Ridge 
13 Pietracamela and Prati di Tivo 
14 Monte Corvo and the Val Chiarino 
15 Monte di Mezzo Circuit from Campotosto

The Abruzzo National Park

16 Villetta Barrea and Civitella Alfedena 
17 The Val di Rose 
18 Anversa degli Abruzzi and Castrovalva 
19 La Terrata 
20 The Scanno Town and Lake Loop 
21 Monte Marsicano 
22 Pescasseroli and Opi Circuit 
23 Monte Mattone from Pettorano sul Gizio 
24 Monte Genzana 
25 A Tour of the Valle del Gizio

The Sirente-Velino Regional Park

26 Monte Sirente 
27 The Celano Gorge via Fonte degli Innamorati 
28 Monte Velino 
29 Fontecchio and Pagliare di Tione 
30 The Navelli Plain

Appendix A Route summary table 
Appendix B Further access information 
Appendix C Italian–English glossary 
Appendix D Useful contacts and further information