Grande Anello dei Sibillini Stage 7: Colle di Montegallo to Colle le Cese

The route of Grande Anello dei Sibillini Stage 7

The stage starts from Colle di Montegallo. The route runs in front of the east face of the Vettore and then enters a vast pine forest at the base of the southeastern slope. The sentiero dei mietitori leads close to Forca di Presta, a mountain pass where the view opens onto the Tronto valley and the Piani di Castelluccio.

From the Forca di Presta pass the route runs for about 3 km to the Belvedere, on the Sentiero per Tutti NT2 (Trail for All), which is also wheelchair accessible. From there it continues along the ridge of Monte Macchialta (1,751 m) and reaches Colle le Cese. The arrival at the Colle le Cese hut offers a view back over the landscapes just crossed.

The trail can be walked in both directions. The section on the sentiero dei mietitori has been subject to detours, so it is advisable to ask the Park about the condition of the route before setting out. The weather should also be checked.

The previous stage is Grande Anello dei Sibillini stage 6, from Rubbiano to Colle di Montegallo. The next one is Grande Anello dei Sibillini stage 8, from Colle le Cese to Campi Vecchio.

Stage 7 technical data: Grande Anello dei Sibillini

The start is at Colle di Montegallo and the finish at Colle le Cese. The route is about 18.6 km long. The elevation gain is 650 m. The descent is about 190 m. Altitudes range from about 1,014 m to about 1,689 m. Colle le Cese lies at 1,484 m.

The Park classifies the trail as T (tourist). It is still a very long stage, of almost 19 km. An early start and a full day should be planned.

Map of Grande Anello dei Sibillini Stage 7

The route is point-to-point and follows the GAS waymarking. The official track "G 07" Colle - Colle le Cese can be downloaded. For an overview of the whole trek, see the Grande Anello dei Sibillini page.

Points of interest along Grande Anello dei Sibillini Stage 7

The best-known spot is Forca di Presta. The pass marks the border between the Marche and Umbria. Just beyond it is the Belvedere, described above, on the Sentiero per Tutti NT2. Along the route there are also the summits of Colle Cardisciana and Colle del Lupo and a waterfall. There are picnic areas, a wayside shrine and a viewpoint.

Along the route are the Fonte delle Cacere, the Fonte dei Mietitori and the Fonte Graniera, as well as other drinking water points. It is better to set out with an adequate supply.

The historic hut at Colle le Cese was made unusable by the earthquake, and temporary structures have been set up. The maximum number of beds is 14. The Rifugio degli Alpini at Forca di Presta also remained unusable for a long time after the earthquake: it is advisable to check its status before relying on it.