Why the olive grove path
Members of the Spoleto Club Alpino wanted to share their knowledge
of this area dominated by olive groves that characterizes an
extensive part of the Umbria Region.
In
the beginning stages, the report contained only the area
near Spoleto Trevi. Successively the project was extended to include
the collaboration of the Foligno Club Alpino and the Assisi Club
Alpino.
It is a particularly interesting course that gives evidence of just
how important the olive groves have always been for the Region.
There are many reminders of works carried out in the past by the
skillfull farmers. Today, because of the high price of labor, these
type of works are no longer executed, especially upon pieces of
abandoned land. The absence of these olive terraces and lunettes are
causing serious hydrogeological and visual damages.
The suggested itinerary touches upon a series of urban installations
of small dimensions that in Roman times, were developed in order to
escape the progressive reversion of the plains into marshland. These
installations, or castles, are in fairly good conservation. The
Castles in central Italian culture and in Umbria in particular, were
not only the residence of the squire. They served as the first urban
centers . Usually these consisted of some ten or so houses, each up
against the other, surrounded by a high walled fence as a means of
protection for its residents and their various activities.
Each excursion stage and its
difficulty
The total length of the itinerary is
about 75km. It unwinds for the most part between 350 and 700 meters
in altitude and is subdivided into 5 stages: SPOLETO-PORETA /
PORETA-TREVI / TREVI-SASSOVIVO / SASSOVIVO-SPELLO / SPELLO-ASSISI.
Each stage is posted with its level of difficulty by an official CAI
“E”
(Club Alpino Italiano) sign: Itineraries that are carried out on
paths and are for hikers m a certain level and training.
The majority of the itineraries are along paths and travel ro
ads(occasionaly with short tracts of asphalt) and with uphill slopes
of no more than 1000 meters. The only really difficult one (only
because of it being slippery when wet) is near Eggi. In this
particular tract a 30 meters cord has been constructed
permitting hikers to descend or ascend safely.
Which way and how long
The
paths can be taken in either direction but it is preferable to begin
the hike from the south, heading towards the north, in other words,
departing from Spoleto, heading towards Assisi. Not only is it a
more interesting panorama, but by walking in this direction the sun
is always at our backs, facilitating any photographic documentation.
In the descriptions of each path,
there are indications referring to the amount ()t time needed for
each tract and total time needed, including rest stops, for the
entire itinerary. Take into consideration an average hiker who
covers about 3 km per hour and a 300
meter ascent and a 450 - 500 meter descent.
Train and road connections
The entire course runs along the east
side of the Flaminia highway (at this date undergoing the final
stages of restructuring between Spoleto and Foligno) and the train
line Rome-Ancona which leads to Foligno, and the line
Foligno-Terontola which goes towards the Assisi station.
Hikers can personalize their trip by
using the train in order to return to the starting point at the end
of the day.
Information regarding train schedules
and the availability of special trains equipped for bicycle
transport, is available at the various stations.
How and when to plan your hike
Any
of the paths can be traveled throughout the year on foot or by
mountain-bike, and there are others where horses can be ridden. It
should be noted that during the summer, it is best to begin quite
early in the morning and to take a long break during the hotter
hours of the afternoon. During the period between November - March ,
in the stretch between Spello - Assisi, it is quite possible to
encounter fog. It is easy to find water due to the presence of
natural springs, but it is always a good idea bring along a liter of
water.
Road signs
The two clubs are completing a series of small red/white/red flag
signals and a series of red signals, which indicate the various
paths. The flags, have been painted on tree trunks, rocks, walls and
wherever they might be visible to hikers traveling in both
directions.
Attention must be given to always follow carefully the indications
given along the path and to take along a topographical map as it can
occur that these small road signs can become damaged over time.
At this time, from Spoleto to Spello, the red and white flag signs
carry the insignia S.U. which stands for Sentiero Ulivi (Olive Grove
Path).
In the area of Monte Subasio along the stretch Spello-Assisi, we
find path n. 50, and along the variant Fonte Bregno-Rif. Vallonica,
path n. 60.
General information
