Pop-Up-Abruzzo: A Wild Valley & Gorge Walk with Author Stuart Haines

To celebrate the launch of Stuart Haines’ brilliant new book, ‘Walking in Abruzzo‘, that artfully helps even a novice uncover Abruzzo’s stunning landscape, we will be co-hosting a Pop-Up-Abruzzo walk! Stuart will lead our free walk on a ‘friends and equals’ basis along and invites 11 of our readers to join us on Saturday 1st June for an easy going exploration of the stunning Orfento Valley, one of the finest wild valleys in Abruzzo.

The route starts and ends in the lovely little spa town of Caramanico Terme in the centre of the Maiella National Park. Good paths will take us into the heart of the beautiful valley and allow a lovely circuit through the forest and alongside the tumbling river. The return section is through the spectacular Orfento Gorge. There will be an opportunity to visit the National Park Visitor Centre in Caramanico. There is a reasonably small amount of ascent and descent though the route stays entirely in the sheltered valley.

We will gather for 9.15 am at Bar DOK at the start of Viale Roma in the centre of the town; it will be open for refreshments both at departure and arrival back at 2.15 pm.

Vital Statistics & Information
Start and End Point	Bar DOK at the start of Viale Roma in the centre of the town
GPS Coordinates of Start Point	42.157877, 14.003506
Lowpoint	Below Ponte Caramanico – 518m
Highpoint	Turnaround point in the valley – 770m
Difference	252 m
Total Ascent	719 m – the route undulates
Total Distance	12 km
Estimated Walking Time	4 hrs – this doesn’t include resting time and assumes a medium pace. No hares and no tortoises…
Paths and Exposure	The route is within the valley, mostly alongside the river, and is not exposed. Paths are good – mostly broad and level with a few easy rocky steps.
Start time	9:15 am
Refreshments	Nowhere on the route. Plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants in Caramanico Terme.
Water	We pass a couple of springs but set off with at least 1.5 litres
Lunch	Bring a packed lunch and some snacks in your rucksack
Clothing and Equipment	Walking boots, walking trousers, fleecy top, gloves, warm hat and water / windproof jacket and trousers. A rucksack big enough for your lunch, water, gloves, hat and waterproof layer (which, with luck, you won’t be wearing). Sun hat, sun glasses and sun cream. Hiking poles will be a help.
Alternative Routes	The route can be shortened in two places which would save about 2.5km in total (about 45 minutes). If you opt for either or both of the alternative routes, you will not be accompanied by Stuart and, possibly, by anyone else. But neither are difficult and directions will be provided. If the weather becomes inclement the whole group may do the shorter route.
Numbers	12 walkers maximum plus Stuart
Guidance	Stuart Haines will lead the walk on a ‘friends and equals’ basis. No fees to be paid; no insurances or warranties are provided.

Transport

Transportation can be arranged from Pescara Centrale Station if a large enough number of people require. We will send a quote for the return journey using a local minibus or alternatively arrange a car share where possible.

How to Book

To book your place on the free walk, please register here. Only walkers who have pre-registered will be accepted on the walk.

Author: Sam Dunham

Sam is a very lucky midlife 'mamma' to A who is 13 and juggles working as a freelance SEO copywriter & teaches IGCSEs at Istituo Cristo Re in Rome. She is the founder of the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, co-founder of Let's Blog Abruzzo and 'English in the Woods' initiative.