Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 7: Coperso to Ascoli Piceno

The route of Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 7

Hikers arriving from Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani stage 6 set off again from Coperso, at the locality of La Cona, taking a downhill dirt track. The trail enters the valley of the Castellano river and follows its course to the lake of Castel Trosino. Along this section there are springs and a body of water. The village of Castel Trosino stands on a huge block of travertine.

Further on, at the locality of Santo Stefano, lies the Lombard necropolis, discovered at the end of the 19th century. The walk then continues toward the Rifugio Paci, home to an environmental education center, where it is possible to stop for refreshment. The route then climbs to Colle San Marco and reaches the Eremo di San Marco, a hermitage clinging to the rock face.

The last section descends along the historic path that leads straight back to Ascoli Piceno, in the Porta Cartara district. It crosses the bridge of the same name and the Piazzarola district, then arrives in Piazza del Popolo. To set off again from Ascoli Piceno, the opening section is Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani stage 1, which leads to Venarotta.

Stage 7 technical data: Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani

The stage starts in Coperso and ends in Ascoli Piceno. It is not a loop in itself: the route closes the overall loop of the trek. The trail is coded GABA7 and is managed by Le Marche Experience.

• Length: 16.7 km
• Elevation gain: about 600 m
• Highest point: about 913 m
• Lowest point: about 158 m
• Difficulty: E, hiking (CAI scale)
• Walking time: 6 hours

The most rewarding period runs from May to September. In winter, harsh temperatures and snow can cause difficulties on the trek. As for any outing at altitude, checking the weather forecast before setting out is advisable.

Map of Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 7

The route of stage 7 is identified by the code GABA7 and links Coperso with Ascoli Piceno. The Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani has signage along the way.

Points of interest along Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 7

Castel Trosino. The medieval village stands on top of a travertine crag. The settlement can be reached from one side only, as the others drop sheer into the Castellano valley. The main little square is home to the church dedicated to San Lorenzo Martire. Upstream of the lake rise sulfur water springs, already known to the Romans.

Lombard necropolis. The necropolis is at the locality of Santo Stefano. Part of the grave goods found at Castel Trosino is on display at the Museo dell'Alto Medioevo (Museum of the Early Middle Ages) in Ascoli Piceno, inside the Malatesta Fort.

Rifugio Paci and Colle San Marco. The Rifugio Paci is a place to stop and rest. Colle San Marco is marked as a viewpoint along the route.

Eremo di San Marco and Grotta del Monastero di S. Marco. In the 13th century the hermitage was chosen by Cistercian monks for meditation and contemplation. The path arrives in front of the building. To see the interior, it is possible to contact a guide licensed by the Regione Marche in advance.

Last section toward the city. The route passes the churches of San Bartolomeo, the Madonna del Ponte, Sant'Angelo Magno and San Gregorio Magno, as well as the hamlet of Piagge. It also passes the Fonte di via Pretoriana and the Fontana Occidentale in Piazza Arringo. Several drinking water points are marked along the stage.