Itinerary | WAY OF THE RURAL CHURCHES - Itinerary 5: Capracotta - Pescopennataro |
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Course description
The itinerary of this fifth stage represents an immersive experience in the diverse authenticities of these places, from the highest peak of the Cammino to the Bosco degli Abeti Soprani, from the rocky hermitage of San Luca to the wide clearing of Prato Gentile and the striking rocky spires of Pescopennataro. This route runs at an altitude that never falls below 1,200 meters above sea level, with a high point of 1,600 meters. The route has no particular accessibility difficulties, unless snow conditions occur. It is an ideal option during the summer, when the trail is 70% of its length immersed in the refreshing shade of the White Spruce trees, a unique feature of this area. White spruce is a delicate species and is found only in several south-central areas of theApennines, such as theMolise Highlands. Within the entire protected area of theSoprani Spruce Forest, you will also find grasslands, shrublands and shrubs, where plants such as rose, blackthorn, hawthorn, brambles, peraster, privets,field maple and honeysuckle dominate. This place rich in biodiversity offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in unspoiled nature and admire the variety of flora that characterizes it.
Useful information
Equipment and practical advice
EQUIPMENT
To optimize your equipment, carefully read information about the route to be taken and the weather and climate forecast. This could be a list of basic equipment:
backpack suitable for real needs – At least 1L of water (2 in warm months/hot drink in winter) – Hiking map – guide – sunglasses – multifunctional penknife – head flashlight – smartphone battery charger – powerbank – camera – insect repellent – first aid kit – rain jacket – airtight bag for valuables and clothing to keep dry in case of rain – bag for trash – anti-inflammatory ointment – personal medication.
Bring some light and nutritious food such as dried fruits, chocolate bars, candy, honey (energy snack). Pack your lunch in advance or be sure to pass through a town in case you need supplies. Bring trekking poles that assist in pushing uphill and help with stability on rough trails. The presence of streams and wooded trails makes some trails impassable and very muddy in heavy rains. High, waterproof hiking shoes are essential here, along with good quality (breathable) socks, which should never be underestimated! Your clothing should not lack: Windbreaker/waterproof jacket; Hat; Gloves for low temperatures.
TIPS & BEHAVIOR
Although it may seem superfluous, we recall the need to behave properly and respectfully toward others and the environment, each person making his or her own contribution by bringing back with them what would harm the environment. The path can be walked all year round, but of course spring and autumn offer the best weather and landscape conditions. For many high stretches, periods of large winter snowfall should be avoided, and in the hottest summer period, water supply and travel time should be well calculated to move during the milder hours and stop during the hottest hours. The path is well marked with comfort flags and marker arrows.
Let’s not damage the plants, let’s remember that we walk through protected environments that need to be protected. We do not light fires. We keep dogs on a leash or harness, mandatory in protected areas. We do not abandon waste. We prevent all fire hazards. We also take into account that some trails may be challenging in bad weather conditions. We always follow the official trails and when in doubt turn back to the last marked trailhead. In Molise, free camping is prohibited in certain areas, therefore, facilities that can accommodate must be used.
CAI Classification of Routes
Italian Alpine Club classification of routes according to difficulty in hiking and cycling
EXCURSION SCOPE
T = Tourist
FEATURES
Routes on cart tracks, mule tracks or obvious paths that pose no uncertainties or problems of orientation, with modest inclines and moderate elevation changes.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Require basic hiking knowledge and physical fitness for walking.
EQUIPMENT
Appropriate clothing and footwear are still required.
E = Hiking
FEATURES
Routes that represent the majority of hiking routes, thus among the most varied in terms of natural environments. They take place on mule tracks, trails and sometimes tracks; on different terrain by geomorphological and vegetation context (e.g., pastures, undergrowth, debris, scree). They are generally marked and may have steep sections. Easy, unexposed rock passages can be encountered that require the use of hands for balance. Any exposed spots are usually protected. They can cross flat or shallowly sloping areas on residual snow.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
They require sense of direction and hiking experience and adequate training.
EQUIPMENT
Suitable equipment with special regard to footwear is required.
EE= Experienced hikers
FEATURES
Nearly always marked routes that require ability to move along trails and tracks over impervious and/or treacherous terrain (steep and/or slippery slopes of grass, rocks or stony debris), often unstable and uneven. They may have exposed sections, traverses, ledges or rocky sections with slight technical difficulties and/or equipped, while via ferratas proper are excluded. They are developed on medium to steep slopes. Crossing sections on snow may be necessary, while all glacier routes are excluded.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Need excellent hiking experience, orienteering skills, knowledge of the characteristics of the mountain environment, sure-footedness and absence of vertigo, evaluative and decision-making skills as well as adequate physical fitness.
EQUIPMENT
Require appropriate equipment and gear for the planned itinerary.
EEA = Experienced hikers with equipment
A ferrata is defined as a route whose sections on rock are specially equipped with metal structures: cables, chains, ladders, pegs and stirrups, which facilitate and enable its progression. They provide for the use of personal protective equipment certified according to current regulations (harness, via ferrata kit and helmet) and adequate technical preparation. They are marked at the start by special signs and meet precise construction and regulatory criteria.
Points of interest
Church and Hermitage of St. Luke
Built at about 1,500 m above sea level, the little church dedicated to St. Luke dates back to the early 20th century and as shown by the inscription above the entrance was restored in 1959 by Pescolani who emigrated abroad. Festivities in honor of the evangelist saint are held every year on September 10. The picture kept here is taken in procession to the village, where it remains until October 18, the feast of St. Luke. Although located in the municipality of Sant’Angelo del Pesco, the small church is in fact under the jurisdiction of the parish of Pescopennataro dedicated to St. Bartholomew the Apostle. Just a few meters from the small church is the hermitage that is said to have hosted St. Luke during his journey between Rome and Palestine aimed at distributing the letters of the apostle Paul to the first local Christian communities. The hermitage, one of the most important rock-cut hermitages regionally, stands within the natural cave and was home to hermit monks until the beginning of the last century. In fact, the remains of some monks are preserved inside under the small altar.
3D Map
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Capracotta – Pescopennataro
(km 7.65)
Itinerary 5
Departure: Capracotta
Arrival: Pescopennataro
Distance: 7.65 kilometers
Walking time: 2h 10′
Difficulty: Hiking
Height difference: +320 – 520
39% asphalt – 14% cart tracks – 47% dirt roads.
Cyclability: No
Recommended Period: Spring, summer, autumn
GPX files: Download
Frame or click the QR code and open the Web App
It should be noted that the routes may include sections where vehicular traffic is concurrent.
Photographs
Other Itineraries
I1: Civitanova del Sannio – Poggio Sannita
I2: Poggio Sannita – Belmonte del Sannio
I3: Belmonte del Sannio – Agnone
I4: Agnone – Capracotta
I5: Capracotta – Pescopennataro
I6: Pescopennataro – Sant’Angelo del Pesco
I7: Sant’Angelo del Pesco – Castel del Giudice
I8: Castel del Giudice – Capracotta
I9: Poggio Sannita – Castelverrino
I10: Castelverrino – Agnone
Highlights
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AgnonEstate 2024 Appointments. On Friday, August 2 , at 9:30 p.m., in the beautiful setting of the Cloister of San Francesco, the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) Choir of Lanciano will perform a brilliant and sophisticated repertoire betweenclassic Alpine songs and Abruzzo...
Mountain safety: GeoResQ, the free app that connects you with rescuers in an emergency
GeoResQ, www.georesq.it, is a service run by the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, promoted by the Italian Alpine Club with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. The free downloadableapplication dedicated to mountain activities can directly send a call...
Discovering the Way of the Country Churches at Easter and Easter Monday
In Italy there are many itineraries for walk and live " slow ", the Cammino delle Chiese Campestri is among them. Walking outdoors, following a specific path, immersing ourselves in a place with body, mind and heart propels us into a new dimension in which time "seems...
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The “Walk of the Country Churches” is an outdoor trail of about 90 kilometers connecting 9 historical centers e 15 small churches scattered throughout the territory of Agnone, Belmonte del Sannio , Capracotta, Castel del Giudice, Castelverrino, Civitanova del Sannio, Pescopennataro, Poggio Sannita e Sant’Angelo del Pesco.
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INITIATIVE FUNDED BY THE FEASR – European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development – PSR Molise Region 2014 – 2020