Grande Anello dei Sibillini Stage 8: Colle le Cese to Campi Vecchio

The route of Grande Anello dei Sibillini Stage 8

The first section follows the ridge that overlooks the Piani di Castelluccio to the east and, to the west, the Piano di Santa Scolastica, six hundred meters lower. To the east are the Coste del Vettore, rising in a single sweep of almost 1,200 m to the crest of the Cima del Redentore (2,449 m). On the northern side Castelluccio dominates, badly hit by the 2016 earthquake.

The trail circles the Castelluccio basin to the south and west as far as the Forca di Giuda pass (1,794 m). From there it descends into the Campiano valley toward Forca di Ancarano and continues to Campi Vecchio. After the pass, the solitary expanses of the Piani give way to a valley dotted with villages, castle ruins and churches.

The 2016 earthquake also left its mark along the Grande Anello, and some sections may be subject to restrictions. It is advisable to ask the Park before setting out and to check the weather.

Stage 8 technical data: Grande Anello dei Sibillini

The stage is 19.5 km long. The elevation gain is 449 m and the descent about 1,100 m. The walking time is about 6 hours, up to 6 and a half hours. The highest point is Forca di Giuda, at 1,794 m. The lowest altitude is about 860 m. The Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini, which manages the trail, classifies it as T (tourist) and lists it as walkable in both directions. It is still a full-day hike, with a long final descent.

For overnight stays, the Colle le Cese hut was made unusable by the earthquake. Temporary structures have been set up in its place, with a maximum of 14 beds. The Campi Vecchio hut was also made unusable by the earthquake, and accommodation in the surrounding area is used instead. Checking availability before setting out is advisable.

Map of Grande Anello dei Sibillini Stage 8

The official track of this stage is coded "G 08" and can be downloaded from the Grande Anello dei Sibillini website. The route is fully waymarked. The official direction is clockwise, starting from Visso, but the loop can also be walked in reverse.

The adjacent stages are described in Grande Anello dei Sibillini stage 7, which leads to Colle le Cese, and in Grande Anello dei Sibillini stage 9, from Campi Vecchio to Visso. An overview of the whole trek is on the Grande Anello dei Sibillini page.

Points of interest along Grande Anello dei Sibillini Stage 8

Along the route are the Forca Ventosola pass, a viewpoint, the grotta Lalla (Lalla cave), the summit of Le Mandriole and the Forca di Giuda pass. Some springs are also marked: Fonte Civitella, Fonte di Monte Serrone and Fonte Fausole.

In the Valle del Campiano, castle ruins can be seen on the mountain slopes, such as that of Castelfranco. The church of Sant'Andrea and other ruins also appear along the route. Further away, in the nearby Valle Castoriana, is the Abbazia di Sant'Eutizio, whose origins date back to the 5th century.

Campi Vecchio is the upper, or old, core of Campi, and the signs of the earthquake are still very evident.