If you need to let off steam or burn a few calories, mountain trekking has to be one of the most satisfying ways...
Talking from experience, a good, bracing hike can do wonders for one’s
state of mind. This spring and summer, I
have set myself the goal of re-discovering the mountain walks I first made over
30 years ago.
With Spring already in the air, Sunday March 7th was the
perfect day for my first hike: Blue skies, a warm sun, birds chirping in the
trees and bees happily buzzing in the flowering trees.
The starting point was Portole (850 metres above sea level) where in more normal times one could first stop and have a cup of coffee and panino while enjoying the view out over Lake Trasimeno.
View from Portole bar and restaurant
Portole bar and restaurant
The planned route - 7.22kms long or 4.5 miles
The planned route was to walk to Piumacetta – mid-way along the old Roman road (strada Basolata) which ultimately leads to the village of Falzano via Teverina – and then turn back on myself to end up at the parish church of Casale. The walk is approx. 7 kms long (4 and half miles).
First BIG view - the beginning of the walk is through ancient pine forests
Second BIG view
A part of the old Roman road - over 2000 years old!
The walk was not very difficult, with few inclines and none of them
excessively steep and there are lots of places to stop, catch your breath and
just admire the views.
Looking down on the modern road - leading from Cortona to Citta' di Castello
It took about 2 hours to get to Piumacetta (at a pretty meandering pace
and enjoying the dog wallowing in every puddle we passed) and another 30
minutes to reach Casale after which I walked home along the main road feeling
very satisfied and peace with myself.
Piumacetta
Tala enjoying her walk....and the puddles
The Casale Church
Probably best to go the first time with someone who knows the route
because there are various paths that cut across the mountainside, leading I
don’t know where!
Alison Koetser, 10/03/2021 11:40:56
