“Trekking by Molise lakes” will explore the two principal lakes of the Molise Region, the Occhito and Guardialfiera Lakes, and the hills that surround them. It connects the pre-Apennine environments of the two lakes with the luxuriant rural environments, with the architecture of some small villages and monasteries in the open countryside, with the excellent culinary tradition of Molise, as well as with the uniqueness of the Croatian-Molise community. In addition, it allows you to be introduced to the phenomenon of transhumance, getting to know three Regi Tratturi (the sheep tracks): from Castel di Sangro-Lucera to Ateleta-Biferno, passing through Celano-Foggia.
Day 1
Arrival at Campobasso and meeting with Professional Nature and Interpretative Guide.
Transfer to Gambatesa by motorized vehicle.
Accommodation and explanation of the journey.
Dinner at restaurant.
Night in different guest houses, in twin rooms with shared bathroom.
Day 2
After breakfast, we start the hike from Gambatesa to La Foresta district (Macchia Valfortore).
Packed lunch.
Dinner in a farmhouse.
Night in farmhouses, in twin rooms with private bathroom.
We visit the castle di Capua and the historic center of Gambatesa, then descend into the valley of the Tappino stream and meet what remains of the Regio Tratturo Castel di Sangro-Lucera. After crossing the stream, we walk at the base of the pinewoods of Macchia della Terra. Then we get on Colle della Putina and go down to lake of Occhito. Arrived at the large reservoir, we take the long white trail that leads up to the farmhouse. Along the way we can enjoy the shade of different woods, meet cultivated fields, olive groves, and vineyards and admire the many panoramic views overlooking the lake.
Technical Information
Duration: 5.5 hours (rest-times not included).
Length of the trek: 22 km (13.7 mi)
Total elevation gain: +730 m (+2395 ft)
Total elevation loss: -940 m (-3083 ft)
Difficulty: easy
Day 3
After breakfast, we start the hike from La Foresta district (Macchia Valfortore) to Ripabottoni.
Packed lunch.
Dinner at home restuarant.
Night in bed-and-breakfasts, in twin rooms and private bathroom.
From the farmhouse, we continue walking along the lake of Occhito until going up the valley of the Cigno stream and meeting the Regio Tratturo Celano-Foggia. We follow it until crossing the hill of Monte Castello and turn right onto Colle Guardiola, from which we can admire the hills that slope down to the coast, the Adriatic Sea, Matese Apennine, and a large slice of central and western Molise.
Technical Information
Duration: 6 hours (rest-times not included).
Length of the trek: 21 km (13 mi)
Total elevation gain: +1080 m (+3543 ft)
Total elevation loss: -620 m (-2034 ft)
Difficulty: medium
Day 4
After breakfast, we start the hike from Ripabottoni to Guardialfiera.
Packed lunch.
Dinner in a farmhouse.
Night in farmhouse or in different bed-and-breakfasts, in twin rooms with private bathroom.
From the village of Ripabottoni we descend on Regio Tratturo Celano-Foggia. Then we climb a hill close to the village of Morrone del Sannio. From here, we descend down an ‘interpoderale’ road next to the wonderful convent of San Nazario and the fascinating abbey of Santa Maria in Casalpiano, which goes back to what was once the link between the Roman cities of Bovianum and Geronium. After leaving the monastic complex, we keep going down to the bed of the river Biferno, and then continue along the first shores of Lake Guardialfiera.
Technical Information
Duration: 5 hours (rest-times not included)
Length of the trek: 20 km (12.4 mi)
Total elevation loss: +500 m (+1640 ft)
Total elevation gain: -725 m (-2378 ft)
Difficulty: easy
Day 5
After breakfast, we start the hike from Guardialfiera to Acquaviva Collecroce.
Packed lunch.
At the end of day, we transfer by motorized vehicle to farmhouse for rest.
Dinner in a farmhouse.
Night in a farmhouse, in twin rooms with private bathroom.
From the farmhouse, we hike a large slice of Lake Guardialfiera, almost to the dam, and then climb up a hill, among cultivated fields, olive groves and farms. Once climbed up Colle Coppere, we go down to the Scorciabove valley and climb up the opposite side of the valley. After crossing the Regio Tratturo Ateleta-Biferno, we follow it up until to Acquaviva Collecroce, where we get to see the largest historical minority community of the Croatian-Molise.
Technical Information
Duration: 5 hours (rest-times not included).
Length of the trek: 19 km (11.8 mi)
Total elevation gain: +820 m (+2690 ft)
Total elevation loss: -560 m (-1837 ft)
Difficulty: moderate
Day 6
Time to say goodbye and go back.
After breakfast, we transfer by motorized vehicle from farmhouse to Termoli.
Visit of the historical center and transfer to the railway or bus station of Termoli.
Otherwise, transfer by motorized vehicle to Campobasso for departure from the main city.
Write to info@molisetrekking.com to get info about price, booking and date.
For groups of 8 to 12 people.
