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Via di Francesco - St Francis' Way - Roman Way from La Verna to Roma
Stage 10B - Alternative route - from Stroncone to Greccio
The detour from the main Roman Way route continues from Stroncone to Greccio, through a landscape of mountains, a hard ride.
You will now leave Umbria and enter into Lazio as the route goes from Stroncone to Greccio, one of the most important places in the life of Francis. It is a very beautiful but also very arduous route.From
Stroncone
To
Greccio
Distance
44 Km
Height differences
1200 meters
Surface
tarmac
Road Sign
No
Recommended Bike
hyrid, gravel, ebike
Water sources
yes (Stroncone, Lugnola, Configni, Cottanello, Contigliano, Greccio)
Degree of difficulty
challenging
This leg of the Roman Way goes from Stroncone to the sanctuary at Greccio, leaving Umbria for Lazio as well as the detour that goes through Terni.
This leg goes through mountains, beautiful steep ones with lots of kilometres uphill to cover for a cumulative climb of more than 1,000 metres. You need to be fit and know how to pace yourself.
Departure is downhill from Stroncone to Vascigliano, then to Lugnola and then, ten kilometres from the start, the first ascent presents itself. The roads are far from traffic and you will pass small villages perched on slopes surrounded by woods, a lovely landscape of pristine nature.
The ascent is not steep, there are downhill stretches to catch your breath until you get to the lovely village of Cottanello, perched on high. From here the climb becomes steady and hard until you reach the Fonte di Cerro pass.
Once past the pass there is a downhill stretch to Contigliano during which to relax your muscles and recover some strength. From here you enjoy a few kilometres over flat land before the next climb takes you to Greccio first and then to the Sanctuary of St Francis. You will feel the exhaustion but the gorgeous views of the valley below and the pleasure of having reached the sanctuary will go far in relieving the pain.
This leg goes through mountains, beautiful steep ones with lots of kilometres uphill to cover for a cumulative climb of more than 1,000 metres. You need to be fit and know how to pace yourself.
Departure is downhill from Stroncone to Vascigliano, then to Lugnola and then, ten kilometres from the start, the first ascent presents itself. The roads are far from traffic and you will pass small villages perched on slopes surrounded by woods, a lovely landscape of pristine nature.
The ascent is not steep, there are downhill stretches to catch your breath until you get to the lovely village of Cottanello, perched on high. From here the climb becomes steady and hard until you reach the Fonte di Cerro pass.
Once past the pass there is a downhill stretch to Contigliano during which to relax your muscles and recover some strength. From here you enjoy a few kilometres over flat land before the next climb takes you to Greccio first and then to the Sanctuary of St Francis. You will feel the exhaustion but the gorgeous views of the valley below and the pleasure of having reached the sanctuary will go far in relieving the pain.
What you should know before departure
Sources
There are sources of water at Stroncone, where you will be able to get a supply of water for the leg of the journey, Configni, Cottanello and Contignano. The roads are relatively free of traffic, much of the route is through mountains and woods, we advise you to travel with two water bottles or a water reservoir.
There are sources of water at Stroncone, where you will be able to get a supply of water for the leg of the journey, Configni, Cottanello and Contignano. The roads are relatively free of traffic, much of the route is through mountains and woods, we advise you to travel with two water bottles or a water reservoir.
Intermediate stages
This leg is one of the most difficult ones of the entire journey, so when you start to tire, break the journey up with rest stops along the way to recover strength. If you prefer to cover the distance in two days instead of one, then you might consider stopping overnight in Cottanello, which is about halfway. We suggest you decide this beforehand as accommodations in this mountainous region are few and should be booked in advance to make sure you have a bed for the night.
This leg is one of the most difficult ones of the entire journey, so when you start to tire, break the journey up with rest stops along the way to recover strength. If you prefer to cover the distance in two days instead of one, then you might consider stopping overnight in Cottanello, which is about halfway. We suggest you decide this beforehand as accommodations in this mountainous region are few and should be booked in advance to make sure you have a bed for the night.
Suggestions
The leg is long and hard, so pace yourself and ride more slowly than usual, especially at the beginning. Moderate your speed going up the to Fonte di Cerro pass and save enough energy to be able to complete the long and steep climb up to Greccio at the end of the day. Don't forget to take a small food supply with you (fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, mineral salts if it's very hot).
The leg is long and hard, so pace yourself and ride more slowly than usual, especially at the beginning. Moderate your speed going up the to Fonte di Cerro pass and save enough energy to be able to complete the long and steep climb up to Greccio at the end of the day. Don't forget to take a small food supply with you (fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, mineral salts if it's very hot).
Information (e.g. how to get there using public transport)
Public Information and Tourist Office Terni
Address: Via Cassian Bon, 4 - 05100 Terni
Phone: 0744423047 - Fax 0744427259
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Public Information and Tourist Office Rieti
Phone: 0746.488537
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Public Information and Tourist Office Terni
Address: Via Cassian Bon, 4 - 05100 Terni
Phone: 0744423047 - Fax 0744427259
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Public Information and Tourist Office Rieti
Phone: 0746.488537
Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Roman Way - Cycling stages
