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Monte Fietone - Valcaldara Loop

S Start: Selvapiana · 889 m

Map and track: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

At a glance

Municipality
Monte Cavallo (MC)

The Monte Fietone - Valcaldara loop is a 12.7 km hiking route starting and finishing at Selvapiana, a hamlet of Monte Cavallo, in the Marche region. It climbs to the summit of Monte Fietone, passes the hamlets of Cesure and Valcaldara and runs past two waterfalls, a spring and several churches. The most rewarding period runs from April to October.

The route lies within the Oasi Faunistica Naturalistica del Monte Fietone e del Monte Cesure, a wildlife and nature oasis. Selvapiana stands at about 1,000 m and has scattered houses and cultivated fields. From the summit of Monte Fietone the view opens onto the Sibillini Mountains, and with a bit of luck the golden eagle can be seen in flight.

Before you go

Forecast at the start

  1. Today11° / 5°0.0 mmPartly cloudy

Forecast by MET Norway, updated automatically · license CC BY 4.0

Rules and orders: Park website. Snow and avalanches: Meteomont bulletin.

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The Monte Fietone - Valcaldara loop: the route

The loop starts from Selvapiana. The walk first follows a cart track, which then becomes a footpath. Shortly afterward it passes through a gate closing an enclosure with grazing cattle, animals that are easy to meet along the way. In less than 3 km from the start the trail reaches the summit of Monte Fietone, recognizable by a pole and a geodetic survey point.

From there the route descends toward Cesure and Valcaldara, then climbs back along the cart track to return to Selvapiana. On the way back an alternative path leads directly to the Valcaldara waterfalls. The first is smaller. The second is larger and has two drops. A small ford is marked on the waterfall section, so it is wise to wear hiking footwear.

Other similar routes are collected on the pages on loop hikes in the Sibillini.

Monte Fietone - Valcaldara loop: technical data

  • Route type: loop, starting and finishing at Selvapiana
  • Length: 12.7 km
  • Maximum altitude: 1,388 m
  • Minimum altitude: 852 m
  • Total elevation gain: about 590 m
  • Walking time: about 4 hours 45 minutes

Before setting out, check the weather forecast.

Monte Fietone - Valcaldara loop: the map

The map shows the track of the loop, which starts and closes at Selvapiana. The points of interest are marked on the route: summit, churches, waterfalls, spring and drinking water points.

Points of interest along the Monte Fietone - Valcaldara loop

The main stop is the summit of Monte Fietone, with a view over the Sibillini.

Along the track there are several drinking water points, worth remembering on a day of walking. At Cesure there is the Fonte di Cesure spring. The hamlets crossed are Selvapiana, with the Church of San Cristoforo, and Cesure, with the Church of Santo Stefano. The Chiesa del Pantano is also on the route.

The two Valcaldara waterfalls are the most scenic part of the loop. In the Valcaldara area there are also the Vene di Valcaldara: a resurgence spring that looks like a small pool of water and gives rise to a small stream. Next to it stands a small church.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Monte Fietone - Valcaldara loop start?

The loop starts and finishes at Selvapiana, a hamlet of the municipality of Monte Cavallo, in the Marche region. The village lies at about 1,000 m. From the start, the summit of Monte Fietone is reached in less than 3 km, on cart track and footpath.

How long is the loop and how high does it go?

The route is 12.7 km long and forms a loop. The minimum altitude is 852 m and the maximum 1,388 m. The total elevation gain is about 590 m and the estimated walking time is about 4 hours 45 minutes.

Is there water along the route?

Yes. Several drinking water points are marked along the track, as well as the Fonte di Cesure, in the hamlet of Cesure. It is still wise to start with a water supply suited to the day.

Are there waterfalls on the loop?

Yes, there are two Valcaldara waterfalls. The first is smaller, while the second is larger and has two drops. They are reached by an alternative path, and a small ford is marked on that section.

Nearby

Straight-line distances.