“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 coenobiums in the open countryside, with the excellent culinary tradition of Molise, as well as with the uniquenes 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 the breakfast, starting of walking day 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 crossed the stream, we walk at the base of the pinewood of Macchia della Terra. Then we get on Colle della Putina and then 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 balconies overlooking the lake.
Technical features of the journey
Duration: 5.5 hours (rest-times not included).
Lenght of the trek: 22 km.
Total difference in height (up): +730 m.
Total difference in height (down): -940 m.
Difficulty: easy.
Day 3
After the breakfast, starting of walking day 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 meet 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 features of the journey
Duration: 6 hours (rest-times not included).
Lenght of the trek: 21 km.
Total difference in height (up): +1080 m.
Total difference in height (down): -620 m.
Difficulty: medium.
Day 4
After the breaksfat, starting of walking day 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 the village of Morrone del Sannio. From here, we descend 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. Once left the monastic complex, we keep going down to the bed of the river Biferno, and then run along the first shores of Lake Guardialfiera.
Technical features of the journey
Duration: 5 hours (rest-times not included).
Lenght of the trek: 20 km.
Total difference in height (up): +500 m.
Total difference in height (down): -725 m.
Difficulty: easy.
Day 5
After the breakfast, starting of walking day from Guardialfiera to Acquaviva Collecroce.
Packed lunch.
At the end of walking day, transfer by motorized vehicle to farmhouse for the rest.
Dinner in a farmhouse.
Night in a farmhouse, in twin rooms with private bathroom.
From farmhouse, we run 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 Scorciabove valley and climb up the opposite side of the valley. Crossed the Regio Tratturo Ateleta-Biferno, we follow it up until to Acquaviva Collecroce, where you get to know the largest historical minority community of the Croatian-Molise.
Technical features of the journey
Duration: 5 hours (rest-times not included).
Lenght of the trek: 19 km.
Total difference in height (up): +820 m.
Total difference in height (down): -560 m.
Difficulty: moderate.
Day 6
Time to say goodbye and go back.
After the breakfast, 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 have infos about price and booking.
For group from 8 to 12 people.
