Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 12: San Lorenzo al Lago to Sarnano

The route of Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 12

The start is in San Lorenzo al Lago. The route skirts the Church of San Lorenzo, continues for about 200 m and turns left following the sign for the Madonna del Sasso Bianco. The first kilometers are all uphill and are best tackled at a steady pace. After about 600 m the road becomes a mule track.

The climb continues for about 8 km on mule tracks and grassy paths, past the Madonna del Sasso Bianco, up to the panoramic cross at 1,298 m. From here the view sweeps over the Sibillini and much of the Marche region.

After the high section the trail runs through meadows and woods. In spring the route is full of wildflowers. Then the long descent begins toward the Eremo di Soffiano, a hermitage reached with a short detour. The last section is easier and alternates dirt and asphalt. Sarnano is entered through the streets of the old village, uphill.

In bad weather, once the highest point of the Cammino has been reached, it is advisable to continue to Sarnano on the paved road. This avoids the woodland sections.

Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 12: technical data

• Start: San Lorenzo al Lago (Fiastra)
• Finish: Sarnano
• Route type: one-way, not a loop
• Length: about 17.4 km
• Elevation change: about 740 m of ascent and about 880 m of descent
• Walking time: 6-7 hours
• Lowest point: about 520 m
• Highest point: about 1,298 m, the highest point of the entire Cammino
• Trail code: CdC

There are several parking areas near the start, the closest about 65 m away. The others are about 222, 232 and 387 m away.

The best time of year runs from May to September. There are no food stops along the way and in summer not all water points are running, so it is best to set off with enough food and water. Checking the weather before leaving is useful.

Map of Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 12

The map shows the one-way route from San Lorenzo al Lago to Sarnano. The trail climbs from the lowest point at about 520 m to the panoramic cross, then descends toward Sarnano. Drinking water points, churches, hamlets and Monte Montioli are marked along the route.

The previous stage, Cammino dei Cappuccini stage 11, reaches San Lorenzo al Lago from Camerino. The next one, Cammino dei Cappuccini stage 13, sets off from Sarnano toward Montefortino.

Points of interest on Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 12

The route passes these points, in walking order:

• San Lorenzo al Lago and the Chiesa di San Lorenzo: the starting point, on Lago di Fiastra.
• Chiesa della Madonna del Sasso Bianco: the small church on the initial climb. After passing it, the route continues straight for about 2.2 km to a fountain.
• Panoramic cross: it marks the highest point of the Cammino, at about 1,298 m, with views over the Sibillini and the Marche.
• Monte Montioli: the summit met along the route.
• Fonte Murello: one of the drinking water springs on the route.
• Hamlets of Terro di Sopra, Case Nuove, Biagi and Goffi: small settlements along the descent.
• Eremo di Soffiano: reached with a short detour from the route.
• Sarnano: the finishing village, reached by climbing through its streets.