LONG DISTANCE ROUTES

BIBULCA ROUTE - The Via Bibulca (Bi-bull Road)

This route takes its' name from the fact that in ancient times the path was wide enough to allow two oxen to pass. The road was used by the Frignati tribe who often went as far as Lucca or Pisa to pillage, and also the Romans who organised the area efficiently. Later, during the 11th century, the road was used by pilgrims who could stay in hospices along the way. The path is made up of a combination of donkey tracks, paths and proper roads - some of them still with the ancient sandstone paving. The route is outstanding in its geological and naturalistic characteristics as it changes continiously on its journey up the Apennine ridge. The route starts in ponte Dolo which is where the two rivers Dragone and Dolo meet. It travels north to south and ends after the Passo de Radici (pass of the roots) at the Sanctuary of San Pellegrino in Alpe. The route winds for 30 km and is split into 8 sections with a total rise of 1,169m. It is usually done in two stages of 4 hours and 5 hours walking time.

The whole route is tagged with informative markers and there are fountains and picnic areas along the way. This route is also suitable for mountain bikers.

THE MATILDA PATH

La Strada di Matilda de Conossa

The regions streching from the Brescian foothills of the Alps to the Northern Lazio was the greatest fief in Italy between the tenth and eleventh centuries when these lands were acquired by the Counts of Conossa. The last member of this noble family was the Countess Matilda and she was perhaps the most famous and fascinating woman in Medieval Europe. The Matilda Path follows in her footsteps visiting fortified castles and historical places of interest. The whole route is 25km with a total rise of 1529m.

The total walking time is 7 hours 30 minutes with an additional optional detour to Frassinoro (2 hours 10 minutes). So it could easily be done in two days. The whole path is tagged with coloured markers and is also suitable for mountain bikers. The section covering the Strada del Tracciolino is a very easy path and is classified as 'touristic'.

SPALLANZANI ROUTE

This route is dedicated to the famous Italian scientist Lazzaro Spallanzani and passes through particular areas of scientific and geological interest. The path is 115km long and is usually travelled in 7 stages totalling 35 hours walking time.

From Scandiao up to S Pellegrino in Alpe the path is well marked with the butterfly symbol and the initials SSP.

THE ROMEA NONANTOLANA ROUTE

Nonantola derives its' name from the Roman centurian system that is the division of land into agricultural units (centuries) which were assigned to soldiers at the end of their career for cultivation. The colony which settled here was named Nonantula after the novanta, ninety, the number of centuries in the area. This route follows the old 8th century routes along the longobard territories controlled by the Abbey of Nonantola and the Monastery of Fanano. The path is 115 km long from Nonantola to Passo della Calanca. The whole path is tagged with coloured signs and is also suitable for mountain bikes. The total rise is 1,748m and it ascends and descends along the way. It is described in 8 sections, one per day, totalling approximately 25 walking hours.

THE GRAND APENNINE EXCURSION

THE GRANDE ESCURSIONE APPENNINICA G.A.E. (pronounced jayah in Italian)

The Appenine mountains are Italy's best kept secret. The Appenines form the rugged spine of the Italian peninsula. The entire Appenine range runs northwest-southeast along the entire length of the country and totals 1400km (870miles) and peaks at 2912m. It starts at the link to the French Alps and goes all the way to Messina in Sicily.

The long distance trek takes 23 wonderful days travelling along the spine through vast woodlands and miles from the tourist trail.The villages and passes encountered see few domestic visitors let alone foreigners. The route is straightforward on well marked paths and forest tracks. The terrain varies from thick carpets of flowered meadows to rocky slopes and natural woodlands.

It starts in Eastern Tuscany and is a little under 400km long ( about a third the total length of the chain). It entails altitudes from between 400 and 2000m above sea level with accomodation in comfortable guest houses and suitable for a broad range of walkers. Go any time from April - October. The walk is split into 23 (day) stages so it really is a long distance prospect!