Stage 8: Piediluco - Arrone

There is now a pleasant 13-km walk along the course of the River Velino before entering the Valnerina: the long, narrow valley of the River Nera.

Walking up the valley floor, you can take the opportunity to make a detour to discover the Marmore Falls. On this 13-km stage, it is nature itself that evokes the memory of St Francis. You are in the constant presence of 'Sister Water,' who, in Francis' own words, "is very useful and humble and precious and chaste".

We start in the sublime surroundings of Lake Piediluco, walking along the banks of the River Velino, whose waters create the spectacle of the Marmore Falls - one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. It is a spectacle of nature and human engineering. To visit, you can gain access from the upper entrance and follow the paths with spectacular views of the Marmore Falls.

The path climbs gently through the fields and along the cool waters of the River Nera, before you enter the River Park area.

The pleasantly scenic walk continues to the village of Arrone, one of the 100 most beautiful villages in Italy.

This part of the route is not challenging, and helps to relax the muscles before the demanding stage from Ceselli to Spoleto.