Difficulty: E
Total ascent/descent: 690 mts
Duration of the walk: 4,30
hours
Distance covered: 12,5 km
Leaving the Abbey to your right walk towards the Tiber and continue on the road that goes up to the M o n t e c o r o n a Hermitage (sent. 171).
As you reach the first curve an ancient uphill path made by the monks begins, today known as the “Mattonata” (“with bricks”) because in some places along the footpath the old stones used by the monks are still visible. Take this path uphill at the niche dedicated to the Madonna and the San Savino farm (sent. 172) This path cuts over the paved road several times. From here there is a beautiful view of the Apennines to enjoy.
Cross over the road and follow the sign-posted path through the woods. There is a fork in the path from which you can make a short deviation to the summit of Montecorona and the entrance to the hermitage.
Once back at the split the path continues along the hermitage’s fence. Take care to follow the rather disconnected path here which leads to a gravel road. Turn left here to make a worthwhile visit to the fortified hamlet of Santa Giuliana.
After the visit, go back to where you turned left get back on the gravel road going upwards to the left, the west (sent.172). Stay on it until you get to a fork in the path and take the right (headed north-sent. 171) and continue downwards passing by the Santa Giuliana delle Pignatte farm (sent. 169a). Once you get to the bottom of the valley cross over the main road and continue in the same direction from which you came along the road in front of you which soon leads you to Podere Toro.
Soon after you will find another fork, turn right (sent. 169). There are other paths leading off this road, but keep to the right and it will lead you to an old country cemetery. Continue onwards and when you reach a three-split in the road turn left following the road that goes along the slopes of the Castiglione dell’Abbate hill. Before long you will be back at your car by the Abbey.