Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 13: Sarnano to Montefortino

The route of Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 13

The start is in Sarnano. In town there is parking in Piazza della Libertà, about 38 m from the start of the route, or in Piazzale Alfonso Lamarmora, about 184 m away.

After leaving the village, the trail follows the Tennacola stream along the so-called Via delle Cascate Perdute ("Way of the Lost Waterfalls"). Here cascades and shady corners follow one another. The route alternates gravel roads, steep climbs and woodland paths, then climbs toward the hamlet of Garulla Inferiore and higher still, up to the Campolungo uplands. From the plateau the view stretches over the Fermo countryside as far as the Adriatic Sea.

From Campolungo the trail descends to the Santuario della Madonna dell'Ambro, a Marian shrine deeply rooted in local devotion. The last 5 km or so to Montefortino are flat.

Walkers who want to lengthen the stage, or who find it hard to get accommodation in Montefortino, can stop in Amandola, allowing for about 6 km more. The previous stage is Cammino dei Cappuccini stage 12, which ends in Sarnano. The next one is Cammino dei Cappuccini stage 14, which sets off from Montefortino.

Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 13: technical data

• Start: Sarnano. Finish: Montefortino.
• Length: about 24 km.
• Elevation change: about 976 m of ascent and 899 m of descent.
• Elevation: from about 460 m at the lowest point to about 1,180 m at the highest.
• Difficulty: demanding.
• Route type: one-way, not a loop.

The surface changes often, between gravel roads, woodland paths and a final flat section. Checking the weather before leaving is advisable. In winter the Cammino is not recommended, because the mountain stages may be covered in snow.

Map of Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 13

The stage runs from Sarnano toward Montefortino, passing through Garulla and the Campolungo plateau. Approximate distances from the start help with orientation. Garulla comes after about 9 km, Rifugio Amandola after about 15 km and the Santuario della Madonna dell'Ambro after about 19 km. These are also the points where water can be found along the stage.

Points of interest on Cammino dei Cappuccini Stage 13

The first section passes the Church of San Rocco and several waterfalls: the Cascata de lu Vagnatò, the Cascatelle di Sarnano, the Pozze dell'Acquasanta pools and the Cascate del Pellegrino. On the climb come the hamlets of Romani, Bisio, Garulla Inferiore and Garulla Superiore, as well as the summit of Colle Alto.

Further on are Rifugio Amandola, a mountain hut, and the Santuario della Madonna dell'Ambro, the spiritual heart of the stage. Along the route there are also several fountains and drinking water points, a picnic table and some ruins.