Rings and horizons: Valnerina’s authentic soul
Between water, history and rocks come and walk calmly
The itinerary is suitable for everyone, but since there is a difference in height of about 350 meters we cannot fail to consider the difficulties; So, if you are not trained and if you have never made excursions, I advise you to opt for one of the other walks offered on the website.
It is possible to bring your dog with it, but only if always kept on a leash.
Abandoned roads
Galleries dug in the rocks
Pure waters
The Spoleto-Norcia railway, inaugurated in 1926 and abandoned in 1968, today represents one of the most fascinating cycle and pedestrian paths in Umbria. This 51 km route crosses the breathtaking landscapes of Valnerina, winding between daring viaducts and galleries dug in the rock, with a difference in height of about 600 meters. The engineering work, designed by the Swiss engineer Erwin Thomann, included 19 galleries and numerous bridges that still testify to the constructive audacity of the time. The route, now transformed into Greenway, allows you to immerse yourself in panoramas ranging from the Sibillini mountains to the sweet Umbrian hills, crossing medieval villages such as Sant’Anatolia of Narco and Vallo di Nera.
Features of the route
The route has a travel difference in height equal to about 350 meters, with a total distance of less than 8 km.
Our walk has an estimated travel time (without stops) in about two hours, two and a half hours, but, inside the route, we will make several stops.
As you may have understood by the name of my business here you don’t run. I therefore invite you to consider this as a relaxing day to discover, calmly, the environment that surrounds us.
If we speak in the morning at 8.30-9.00 we will be free for lunch, if we leave in the early afternoon we will be free for dinner.
But let’s go by degrees, safety first of all, especially within the galleries, must be paid to the area despite the area is in the middle of the Valnerina and despite the fact that the river will run, there are no fountains along the route.
A front torch is needed: to cross the dark galleries it is essential to have a source of light, all those who do not have one will be able to ask one to drive.
What to do in Valnerina?
Valnerina offers numerous activities for outdoor lovers: in addition to trekking and mountain bike along the former railway, it is possible to practice rafting and canoe on the black river, sports climbing on the rocky walls of the valley, or explore the numerous karst caves in the area. The territory is also full of historical and artistic testimonies, from medieval castles to Romanesque abbeys, such as the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle. There is no shortage of local gastronomic specialties, such as Norcia PGI ham, black truffle and black trout. The most adventurous can try their hand in the paragliding flight from Mount Subasio or in the excursions between the paths that connect the numerous medieval villages of the valley, immersing themselves completely in the uncontaminated nature and in the millenary history of this corner of Umbria.
Equipment and materials necessary to carry out the activities
Each participant must have at least one liter of water with them
We will all have to wear trekking boots, much of the route runs along the white path and in some places it is possible to find muddy areas. If it is winter it is best that they are high shoes with ankle coverage. It is not possible to take the walk with trainers/tennis/sneakers.
Also necessary for variable situations (for all daytime excursions, even in winter with snowshoes): sunglasses, hat and windbreaker suitable for rain.
In winter it is normal to have long trousers, but even in summer it is good to use long trousers because, in the most impervious parts of the route, we can encounter tall grass and having long trousers will allow us to better protect our legs also from possible thorns or insects.
From May to September included, always bring a sunscreen with you to prevent sunburn.
To better remember the day, a good camera to immortalize the environment around us is highly recommended.
Avviso Covid 19
During this excursion it will be necessary to strictly respect the anti-contagion rules and for this reason I ask you, as you are already used to doing, to respect a few simple rules:
- Let’s not greet each other with a handshake
- We try to maintain an interpersonal distance of more than one meter
- During breaks we remain seated at a safe distance
- Before each meal let’s sanitize our hands. If you find yourself in the same car or less than 1 m apart, please wear a mask.
- Let’s not exchange objects, we can’t pass food or bottles to other people.
To participate in the excursions, you will be asked to sign a declaration and the data indicated will be used to communicate any news relating to Covid. I ask each of you to contact me urgently if you test positive in the days following the activity, so as to notify all the other participants and proceed with the post-contact procedures.
