Stage 22: Ceselli - Arrone

After yesterday’s efforts, today’s walk is an easy one over flat land. The 15 km it covers is along the tree-shaded banks of the Nera River.

A worthwhile detour leads to the San Pietro in Valle Abbey, a treasure trove of extraordinary works of art.

This stretch of the route is flat and follows the meandering of the Nera River. Cross the SS 209-Valnerina from Ceselli and then over a bridge to loc. Osteria di Ceselli.

From here you head out on a trail through the valley of the Nera River Park. The walk takes you over paths surrounded by steep slopes, cultivated fields, woods and the pleasant gurgling of the Nera. Once you reach loc.

Colleponte, stock up on water at the fountain on the main square and then continue on over a dirt road. Once out of the town walk until you see the great bell tower of the San Pietro in Valle abbey on the slope of the mountain on other side of the river.

It really is worth a visit, and, if you have enough time, follow the red and white CAI trail markings from Loc. Macenano to get there. Once past the gate, which you should close behind you out of respect for local custom, you’ll come across an old red building, a touch of colour in the intense green of the valley.

You’ll pass another water spring and soon reach Arrone, an ancient village founded by the Romans. Its vicinity to the famous Cascate delle Marmore falls has turned this town into an important centre for popular water sports like canoeing and kayaking.