WLK14 Monte Petria

In few words

A very interesting and varied route that circumnavigates Monte Petria, a hill about 1,000 meters above Chiaserna di Cantiano, directly opposite the Catria Massif. It follows a dirt road, but also includes about three kilometers of easy hiking trails. This area is rarely visited by tourists and hikers, known only to locals. It's an excellent summer route, as it's flanked by forest for long stretches. The route offers spectacular views in all directions.

Here is the route

What you will see

At a glance

Lenght: 8.15 km
Time: 2:00 hours
Ascent: 270 m
Max. altitude. 823
Difficulty: Medium
Suggested direction: Clockwise
Starting point: Via della Badia (see Start marker on map)
WarningsThe route includes a section of path

Up and down

Description

By car, drive up from Chiaserna towards Sassoferrato and, once you reach the Val d'Orbia Pass (Croce di Chiaserna), turn right onto an easy dirt road until you reach a fork. You can park here.

Following the trail, turn left uphill and, after a couple of hairpin bends, reach a saddle between Mount Petria and Mount Orneti, where the Ara di San Maffeo refuge is located (for information and to book the refuge, call +39 3381 862504). Here, take the dirt road on the right that goes slightly downhill.

The road runs almost straight along the southern slope of Monte Petria, then turns right. Shortly after, you'll reach a cattle gate; here, leave the dirt road and take a track on the right, which soon becomes an easy, unmarked path.

The trail traverses the western slope of Mount Petria, flanked by a dense mixed forest managed by coppice. It initially ascends slightly, then descends, becoming a bit more rugged. Along the way, the view opens onto the Catria Massif and the Burano Valley, which leads from Pontericcioli toward Gubbio. Also interesting is the view of Mount Tenetra and Mount Petrano, separated by the Burano Valley, which display impressive, identical erosion phenomena.

Along the descent, you'll come across a small oak tree marked with a red and white trail marker. From here, a small path descends to the right, soon becoming more visible. Stay on the trail until you reach the dirt road coming from the Chiaserna equestrian center. There's only one possible detour, but this also leads to the dirt road. The GPS track will serve as a safe guide.

Now all that's left to do is climb a couple of kilometers back to your car. This final stretch follows the northeast slope of Monte Petria and offers beautiful views of Monte Acuto and Monte Catria. Below, you'll first see the village of Chiaserna, then the small hamlets of Malecchie and Pian di Lucchio.

Notable places

Ara di San Maffeo Refuge
Mount Petria

Download and Print

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