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Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 6: Valledacqua to Coperso

S Start: Abbazia di Valledacqua · 512 m A Finish: Coperso · 567 m

Map and track: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Trail facts

Start
Abbazia di Valledacqua · 512 m
Finish
Coperso · 567 m
Route
one way
Trail marker
GABA6
Municipality
Acquasanta Terme

Stage 6 of the Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani links Valledacqua to Coperso, in the territory of Acquasanta Terme, along the so-called sentiero dei briganti (brigands' trail). It is about 18 km long, has an E (hiking) difficulty grade and takes about 5 hours on foot. It is not a loop: it starts at one point and finishes at another.

From Valledacqua the trail reaches San Gregorio, at an altitude of about 1,000 m, where the brigand Piccioni had his headquarters. The route then continues along the ridge toward Talvacchia and Coperso. It is a stage tied to the history of brigandage, with views over the Tronto and Castellano valleys.

Distance
17.97 km
Elevation gain
+780 m
Elevation loss
−723 m
Lowest point
511 m
Highest point
1,048 m
Difficulty
E, hiking
Time
6 h 30 min (estimate)

From the OpenStreetMap track and the Copernicus DEM profile; time is an estimate.

Before you go

Forecast at the start

  1. Today14° / 9°0.2 mmCloudy

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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Elevation profile
400600800100012000 km2 km4 km6 km8 km10 km12 km14 km16 km400600800100012000 km2 km4 km6 km8 km10 km12 km14 km16 km
Ascent
780 m
Descent
723 m
Lowest point
511 m
Highest point
1,048 m

Elevations: Copernicus DEM GLO-30 © DLR e.V. 2010-2014 and © Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2014-2018.

Download GPXKML for Google Earth

Indicative OpenStreetMap track: check the markers and trail conditions on site.

The route of Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 6

The stage starts in Valledacqua, near the Abbazia di San Benedetto, founded by the Benedictine monks of the Abbazia di Farfa. From here the path climbs to San Gregorio. The village is linked to Giovanni Piccioni, who after the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy led the revolt of the papal loyalists against the Piedmontese in the Piceno hinterland. On clear days even the Adriatic Sea is visible from San Gregorio.

The walk continues toward Talvacchia following the ridge that separates the Tronto valley from the Castellano valley. This is the border between the Marche and Abruzzo. The characteristic V-shaped profile of the valley stands out, surrounded by the Laga and Monti Gemelli mountain groups. The last section is scenic: it follows the ridge between the Castellano stream and the Rio Lungo to the small village of Coperso.

The previous stage, Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani stage 5, reaches Valledacqua from Forcella. The next one, Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani stage 7, sets off again from Coperso toward Ascoli Piceno.

Stage 6 technical data: Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani

  • Start: Valledacqua abbey (Acquasanta Terme)
  • Finish: Coperso
  • Length: about 18 km
  • Duration: about 5 hours
  • Difficulty: E (CAI scale)
  • Route type: not a loop, from Valledacqua to Coperso
  • Highest point: 1,070 m
  • Lowest point: about 511 m
  • Trail code: GABA6
  • Managed by: Le Marche Experience

Before setting out it is advisable to check the weather and carry enough water. There are two drinking water points along the route.

Map of Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 6

The route, identified by the code GABA6, runs from Valledacqua to Coperso by way of San Gregorio and Talvacchia. The Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani has signage along the way. The whole trek is described on the page dedicated to the complete route.

Points of interest along Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 6

Abbazia di San Benedetto in Valledacqua. The starting point of the stage, standing next to the hamlet of Valledacqua.

San Gregorio. A mountain village at about 1,000 m, known as the base of the brigand Giovanni Piccioni. Today a square in the village is named after him.

Talvacchia. The village lies at 630 m on a hill, on the Marche shore of the artificial lake of the same name. The lake was created by the dam on the Castellano, built in 1960. The village stands just below the church of San Gregorio Magno, founded by the monks of Farfa. Thanks to its scenic and strategic position, Talvacchia is also known for the dam and the lake. Viewpoints such as the roccia del Cuore and Carleccitte are marked in the surroundings. During the Risorgimento the village was an important passage between San Gregorio and the city of Ascoli.

Coperso. The finish of the stage, a small village reached after the ridge section. It remains almost forgotten among the woods.

Frequently asked questions

How long is stage 6 and how much time does it take?

The stage from Valledacqua to Coperso is about 18 km long. The stated walking time is about 5 hours. The difficulty is E, a hiking grade. The route is not a loop: it starts in Valledacqua and ends in Coperso, so the return or an overnight stay needs to be arranged.

Where does this stage start and finish?

The stage starts in Valledacqua, near the Abbazia di San Benedetto, and ends in Coperso. In between it crosses San Gregorio and Talvacchia. The next stage, number 7, sets off again from Coperso and continues toward Ascoli Piceno, where the Grande Anello closes.

Why is stage 6 called the brigands' trail?

The name recalls the brigandage that marked this area. San Gregorio was the headquarters of the brigand Giovanni Piccioni, who after the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy led the revolt of the papal loyalists against the Piedmontese. Talvacchia, along the route, was also an important crossing point during the Risorgimento.

Is there drinking water along the route?

Two drinking water points are marked along stage 6. For a stage of about 18 km it is still advisable to set out with enough water. It is also a good idea to check the latest conditions of the route beforehand.

Nearby

What to see nearby

Straight-line distances.