Abruzzo is one of the wildest and least populated regions of Italy, with 26 peaks over 2000 m, and home to three national parks. There are fine routes throughout this largely protected area, between charming hilltop villages through forests and gorges and along high mountain ridges.
These little-known walks are described here for the first time in English, with day and half-day routes all graded from easy wanders to challenging mountain adventures. Thirty walks are described in four areas across the region, illustrated with clear colour sketch maps. This includes detailed information on how to reach the more remote start points.
Introduction; Abruzzo; Geological history; Human history; Wildlife; Food and drink; Walking in Abruzzo; When to go; Getting there; Getting around; Places to base yourself; Daily essentials; Maps; Using this guide; Advice for the trail; The Maiella National Park; 1 Fara San Martino Gorge and Val Serviera; 2 The Hermitage of San Bartolomeo di Legio; 3 Monte Morrone from Passo San Leonardo; 4 The Orfento Valley; 5 Caramanico and the Orfento Gorge; 6 Monte Amaro from Lama Biancha; 7 Monte Amaro from La Maielletta; 8 Monte Porrara Ridge; The Gran Sasso National Park; 9 Monte Prena and Monte Camicia; 10 Santo Stefano and Rocca Calascio; 11 The West Peak of Corno Grande; 12 Monte Bolza Ridge; 13 Pietracamela and Prati di Tivo; 14 Monte Corvo and the Val Chiarino; 15 Monte di Mezzo Circuit from Campotosto; The Abruzzo National Park; 16 Villetta Barrea and Civitella Alfedena; 17 The Val di Rose; 18 Anversa degli Abruzzi and Castrovalva; 19 La Terrata; 20 The Scanno Town and Lake Loop; 21 Monte Marsicano; 22 Pescasseroli and Opi Circuit; 23 Monte Mattone from Pettorano sul Gizio; 24 Monte Genzana; 25 A Tour of the Valle del Gizio; The Sirente-Velino Regional Park; 26 Monte Sirente; 27 The Celano Gorge via Fonte degli Innamorati; 28 Monte Velino; 29 Fontecchio and Pagliare di Tione; 30 The Navelli Plain; Appendix A Route summary table; Appendix B Further access information; Appendix C Italian-English glossary; Appendix D Useful contacts and further information
Stuart Haines explored Europe's mountains for many years before settling in the Apennines of central Italy, where Abruzzo became his playground and inspiration. There he indulged his passions of walking and exploring. Now a resident of both Bristol in the UK and Sulmona in Italy, he runs a walking holidays business in Abruzzo and loves to help people explore this wonderful place.