Every path has its own impossible challenge and this leg will drive you to despair when you tackle it, but at the end of the day you will feel overjoyed about having overcome all the obstacles. 
Get an early start and proceed slowly. We suggest that you shorten the journey, by choosing to stay at one of the numerous intermediate stop-over places.
The first stretch has a long and challenging uphill climb. The Hermitage of Cerbaiolo deserves a detour and a visit (find out about its opening hours). From Viamaggio (9.8 km), a very steep, tiring stretch begins in the forest. At one time, the “Gothic Line” ran along this stretch, dotted with defensive structures that the German army built in 1944 along the Central Apennine Mountains to halt the advance of the Allies.
The memories of the war give way to fortuitous encounters with roe deer and fallow deer in the Alpe della Luna Reserve. Here, with the majestic trees and high altitude landscapes, you will find the enchanted nature of the Canticle of the Creatures of St. Francis.
A place in which you can stop to meditate and rest is the Hermitage of Montecasale where the air is filled with the presence of St. Francis, who passed through here and converted three thieves. You continue on downhill towards Sansepolcro, the name of which refers to two pilgrims who returned from the Holy Land and founded a monastic community here. The town is a real treasure chest of beauty and in it you will find famous works by Piero della Francesca, Rosso Fiorentino and other Renaissance masters.
Alternative route in case of rain from Viamaggio to Pian delle Capanne.