Val Fondillo and Val Canneto, valleys shaped by water

A beautiful itinerary on the crests, taking us to the border between Abruzzo and Lazio, to the land of shepherds, bandits and pilgrims. From the high Val Fondillo we will touch Valle Tre Confini where the water flow has carved the rocks, leaving spectacular shapes and colours. An overnight stay in a mountain hut will allow us to admire the main peaks of the central Apennines at sunset, in a beautiful spring setting.

The trekking includes a full immersion in nature and an overnight stay in a small, recently renovated bivouac. Along the route we have a magnificent view on the Strict Nature Reserve of Cacciagrande-Valle Jancino, an enchanted place. Here is the only old-growth forest of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park with a constant presence of water, since it is crossed by various streams. Trees of imposing sizes dominate valleys, full of rocks and ravines.

Beautiful scenery in intimate and wild places, among large beech forests and rare blooms, to rediscover nature’s essence

Bookend long days in the wilderness with classic Italian food and tasty local wines in genuine mountain villages

DAY 1 – Shepherds, bandits and pilgrims
Arrival to Pescasseroli in the early afternoon, meeting the guides at our headquarters in Largo Molinari. At 14.00 (2pm,) transfer by minibus to the Valle di Canneto. We will get to the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Canneto, at the slopes of Monte Meta, where the waters of the Melfa river spring. The remains of a temple dedicated to a feminine divinity, discovered during works on the water system, proves the pre-existence in this area of a pagan cult dedicated to the goddess Mefitis, Italic divinity, associated with water and invoked for fertility of the fields and female fertility. According to the myth, Callisto resided in this area, the beautiful nymph about which Ovid wrote in his Metamorphoses. Passing a beautiful beech forest we will reach in the Valle dei Tre Confini, where the water flow has carved the rocks, leaving spectacular shapes, colours and waterfalls. In the evening we will get to Rifugio Acquanera and have dinner there. Overnight stay.
3h of walk · 250 m ascent 

DAY 2 – Val Canneto, a sanctuary for humans and nature
In the morning we eat breakfast and leave for a beautiful excursion at high altitude, crossing the Serra delle Gravare ridge. The route winds through wide pastures and terraced fields, used by locals in the past. There is the chance of meeting grazing deer and chamois, and to see the Golden eagle in flight. In the middle of the day we will reach the Valico delle Gravare, to enjoy a magnificent view on Val Fondillo, Val Jancino and the Valle di Cacciagrande, the first core of protected area. A long descent takes us inland through beech woods to the beautiful Acquasfranatara and Tornareccia springs. Arrival at the service area in the evening and departure of the participants.
7h of walk · 600 m ascent · 800 m descent

Prices
€ 120 / per adult

You’ll stay in a simple mountain bivouac with shared room, so we can’t expect to have access to hot water or shower. Breakfast is provided in the refuge, dinner and lunches are not included; you will buy packet lunches from local shops and bakeries.

The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is an enchanting place where wilderness is offered in many unexpected shapes and colours. The place which more than any other jealously guards its origins, rejects anything too noisy, and still today embraces that ancient connection between humans and nature. A trip to this region could result unforgettable from many points of view, but without a doubt it can help us to rediscover a fleeting inner peace.

During the spring and autumn season the territory offers beautiful scenery and a magical atmospheres. See booking calendar for available dates.

Long day hike in the mountains with a backpack and daily food. On some days we don’t reach the villages. Therefore it is good to make sure to have the necessary equipment with you.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
CLOTHINGS
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Fleece jacket or similar
T-shirts
Long technical trousers
Waterproof overtrousers
Socks
Hikings boot
Warm hat
Thin gloves

EQUIPEMENT
Rucksack (40-50 lt)
Sleeping bag
Rain cover
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 2 lt)
Head Torch
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Towel
Emergency kit (Compeed®,patches,medicines)
Slippers for relax moments
T-shirt and trousers for sleeping
Earplugs (Recommended)