Passo Sasso Borghese, Redentore and Vettore peaks from Monte Porche (Walk 11)
Maps
In combination with a compass, a detailed topographical map showing natural features is essential for exploring the Sibillini on foot. The sketch maps in this guide are only intended as a rough guide and are limited by space restrictions. Hopefully all walks will go well, however in adverse weather conditions such as low cloud with limited visibility, orientation can become a real problem as landmarks are few and far between and a clear map comes into its own.
The best walking map by far is the new 2013 edition of the ‘Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini’ scale 1:25,000, published by SER (Società Editrice Ricerche). It is on sale throughout the park and neighbouring towns, and can also be ordered from www.edizioniser.com. Kompass also do a decent 1:50,000 walking map – map 666 Monti Sibillini – which is available in many overseas outlets. It obviously has less detail, but the smaller size makes it handier to use. Be warned however that Walks 1 and 2 are missing from it, as is a chunk of the GAS Stage 3. The park authorities have also published a new 1:40,000 map (2012), which shows the park routes marked in red and other CAI paths in blue. It is on sale locally but can be downloaded free from the Sibillini Park website at www.sibillini.net.
Users of the GPS will be pleased to know that the waypoints relevant to the long-distance trek GAS described in this guide can also be downloaded from www.sibillini.net.
Waymarking
The long-distance Grande Anello dei Sibillini (GAS) is well marked throughout with red/white paint stripes on prominent rocks and trees, in addition to low wooden poles and clear signposts at most junctions. A ‘G’ is usually included. Recently local authorities and the park have been waymarking routes with red/white paint and placing new signposts at landmark junctions. Note: the park has seen fit to mark its own routes with a red ‘E’ (for ‘escursionismo’, walking) and short identifying number. Several of these routes coincide with the walks described here so extra signs can be expected. There are also short nature trails (N) and MTB (B) routes. Paths in Umbria were recently renumbered – the initial ‘1’ changed to ‘5’.
Waymarking for GAS trek
A warning: don’t be misled by the optimism of the commercial maps which show an extensive network of lovely routes in red flagged with identifying numbers. On the ground very few are so clearly marked and whether or not an actual path exists is another story. Moreover, in the high areas of the Sibillini above the tree line, with no landmarks, this task is more difficult. In any case, where a clear path exists, it’s good practice to follow it and help establish the trail, rather than wandering willy-nilly over grassy slopes and encouraging erosion. Some main routes have red/white identifying marks in accordance with the Italian system of paths of CAI. On the other hand where numbering and markings do exist, this is always explained in the walk description.
Sibillini National Park signposts
What to Take
How do you find that perfect balance between what’s essential, and potentially life-saving, and what only adds unnecessary weight to your rucksack and detracts from enjoyment of your holiday? This is an especially important issue for walkers on the GAS trek. Day walkers have it easier, but should still pack for a range of conditions.
A suggested check list for walking the GAS:
Comfortable rucksack: when packed pop it on the bathroom scales – 8–10kg is a reasonable cut-off point. Plastic bags come in handy for organising the contents.
Sturdy walking boots, preferably not brand new and with a good gripping sole and ankle support. Sandals or lightweight footwear for the evening.
Rain-proof gear, either a full poncho or jacket, over-trousers and rucksack cover. A lightweight folding umbrella is a godsend for walkers who wear glasses on the trail.
Layers of clothing to cope with conditions ranging from biting cold winds through to scorching sun, so T-shirts, short and long trousers, warm fleece and a windproof jacket, as well as a woolly hat and gloves.
Sun hat, sunglasses, chapstick and high-factor sunblock (remember that the sun’s rays become stronger by 10% for every 1000m in ascent). Shade is a rare commodity above the 1500m mark so go prepared.
Personal toiletries.
Emergency food such as muesli bars, biscuits and chocolate.
Walking maps and compass.
Whistle for calling for help.
Torch or headlamp and spare batteries.
An altimeter, handy for understanding weather trends: if the reading at a known altitude (such as a building) begins to rise, a low pressure trough may be approaching, a warning to walkers.
Trekking poles to ease rucksack weight, aid wonky knees and keep sheep dogs at a safe distance.
Sleeping sheet (bag liner) and small towel for stays in rifugi.
First-aid kit.
Lightweight binoculars and camera.
Supply of euros in cash and credit card.
Mobile phone, adaptor and recharger. Don’t let a mobile lull you into a false sense of security in the mountains. Never expect total signal cover; you won’t get it. Don’t take risks thinking that if worst comes to the worst you can call for assistance.
Water bottle – the plastic mineral water containers widely available in Italy are perfect.
Fresh spring water, a boon for thirsty walkers
Note: despite the widespread limestone rock base in the Sibillini, a remarkable number of life-giving springs can be found. Essential to generations of herders for watering their flocks at remote pastures, for walkers the fonti (springs) offer delicious cool refreshment during a hot summer. Springs are marked on maps with a blue water droplet.
However, they can not always be relied upon as prolonged dry weather and channelling for local water supplies have diminished flows. Moral: always carry an abundant supply of drinking water.
Accommodation
There’s a good scattering of reasonably priced family-run hotels, cosy guesthouses and a couple of rifugi walkers’ huts across the Sibillini. In this guide each walk comes complete with contact details of handy places to stay.
The long-distance GAS trek uses mostly rifugi – hostels set in quiet hamlets. Without exception these are excellent structures owned by the park authority – mostly modernised, converted farm buildings which operate by contract from approximately mid-April through to mid-October. They have nice dormitories, hot showers and provide all meals, including packed lunches on request. Bed linen and towels are available for a few extra euros for those who prefer to carry a little less weight. Always phone ahead to reserve your bed, especially early and late in the season