an approximate measure of the walk length.
In the walk descriptions ‘road’ means the way is surfaced and used by cars, while ‘track’ and ‘lane’ are unsurfaced and traffic is limited to farm or forestry vehicles. ‘Path’ always refers to a pedestrians-only route.
Compass bearings are given (N, SW, NNW and so forth), as is right (R) and left (L). Useful landmarks appear in bold type and these are shown on the sketch maps. Their altitude is given in metres (100m=328ft) abbreviated as ‘m’, not to be confused with minutes (min).
Emergencies
If an accident happens or an emergency arises, if possible phone soccorso alpino (mountain rescue) on
‘Help’ is aiuto in Italian (pronounced eye-yoo-toh) and ‘I need help’ is Ho bisogno di aiuto. The general emergency telephone number in Italy is
The following arm signals could be useful for communicating with a helicopter:
If you need non-urgent medical assistance ask at your hotel for the guardia medica (24-hour doctor), or go to pronto soccorso (emergency) at the nearest ospedale (hospital).
Insurance is strongly recommended. Those from the EU need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which has replaced the old E111. Holders are entitled to free or subsidised emergency health treatment in Italy. UK residents can apply online at www.dh.gov.uk (‘EHIC and health advice for travellers’ section). Travel insurance to cover a walking holiday is also a good idea as rescue operations incur hefty charges. Members of alpine clubs are usually covered by insurance through their club. British residents can join the UK branch of the Austrian Alpine Club (www.aacuk.org.uk or
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
