Sentiero Italia CAI: Ceppo to San Martino

The Route of the Sentiero Italia (Ceppo - San Martino)

From Ceppo the trail stays at altitude for the first few kilometers and reaches its highest point, just above 1,400 m, before Monte la Morra, which is reached after about 4.5 km at 1,374 m. From there the real descent begins, taking the trail in less than four kilometers from 1,370 m to 840 m at Morrice, the first village on the Marche side.

The last part links three small settlements close to each other: Vallecchia Monte Calvo at km 9.3, Casaduna at km 9.8 and finally San Martino. In this section the route drops to about 720 m, the lowest point of the day, and then climbs slightly toward the finish.

Those walking in the opposite direction should expect the reverse: a long, continuous climb from San Martino to the ridge.

Sentiero Italia Technical Data (Ceppo - San Martino)

The CAI grades this section E, hiking. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes; in the opposite direction, all uphill, about 3 hours and 45 minutes. It is a one-way route: the finish is more than ten kilometers of trail from the start and many more by road, so a second vehicle or a ride is needed.

There is a parking lot right by the start, in Ceppo, and one in San Martino, a few tens of meters from the finish.

Sentiero Italia Map (Ceppo - San Martino)

In San Martino, the Sentiero Italia continues with the next stage, which climbs to the Macera della Morte and descends to Colle d'Arquata. Less than a kilometer from the finish, the short trail 300a also branches off.

Points of Interest Along the Sentiero Italia (Ceppo - San Martino)

No springs or huts are recorded along the track: between Ceppo and Morrice the trail crosses no villages, and water must be carried from the start. The useful landmarks are the summit of Monte la Morra, halfway along, and the three settlements in the final part.