From a parking spot in the town center, we walked out of town through the pleasant wooded park seen above and then made our way up to a hill marked with a cross, or croce. We used the book, Walking in Abruzzo and the Gran Sasso park map by Edizioni Il Lupo as our guides.
From the cross, the route heads due east across open hillsides. From time to time, we came across red and white markers signifying a marked trail but one doesn't appear on the Gran Sasso park map. One of the many times when there was a disconnect between what is written and what is reality.
After reaching a low point and crossing a dirt 4x4 road, the trail ascends on a slight grade along a barbed wire fence and then increases in steepness. We started out on the north side of the fence, and at a break in the fence switched over to the south side as per the beaten path.
Skirting the hillside on a noticeable track heading east, we found a nice cluster of rocks that made for a great snack spot with wide open views to the south, east, and west.
Markings along the way were sporadic at best. Here, we encountered a very informational trail sign... the trail names and numbers were either never added or beaten off by the harsh weather of the Campo. In the distance are several stone enclosures used by shepherds to corral their flocks.
Our final destination for the day turned out to be the Madonna della Pieta Church seen here on the right. Most people come to the area to see the castle, Rocca Calascio, in the background. By the time that we arrived, however, several hiking parties were making their way up to the castle so we decided to leave it for another time and head back. The hike had already made enough of an impression that we knew that we would return.
In order to effect a loop hike, we followed a 4x4 track into the valley on the north side of the hills that we had crossed on the way to the church. The gentle grade and crushed stone made for easy walking.
Growing weary, we decided on a short cut back into town and took the auto road. Not recommended. Although traffic was light, any cars that passed did so a a breakneck speed and with little familiarity with hikers. We made it back to town just a half hour or so too late for lunch at the one restaurant in town. A shame... the town is known for its lentils! Gusto!
