2023 - A mixed terrain bikepacking loop through Abruzzo, Italy amongst the spectacular Apennines mountains and crossing 3 National Parks. You discover the wild side of this mountainous region following double track paths, GR tracks and tramac roads in a 388 km loop adding 95 km when leaving from the coastal city of Pescara. The loop wanders around medieval villages, abandoned hamlets and finally opens your mouth with stunning views of the Gran Sasso's Campo Imperatore at 2.130 m.
HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE TRIP
Caramanico Terme - Passo San Leonardo - Forest of Monte del Casale - Gioia Vecchio - Secinari - Rocca di Cambio - Santo Stefano di Sessanio - Refugio Chiesola - Campo Imperatore - Pesconsansonesco
BEST TIME
April/May and September/October offer snowfree landscapes with little
tourism and pleasant temperatures. Above 1.500 m temperatures drop to 10°C at night. Just take a rain jacket in case fog transform into drizzle in the early morning.
CAMPING
We found lots of possibilities to pitch the tent but could only shelter in a few locations in case of stormy weather. In this time of the year, mountain cabins & refuges are already closed. In the remote medieval villages it is hard to find accommodation.
SUPPLIES
There is drinkable water in every village near GR tracks. Between 13:00 and 17:00 PM no food is to be found in rural area's as shops are closed. Bring along min. 2 packs of frosted food in case you have to sleep in between 2 hamlets. You find cheese & sausage even in small shops.
BIKEPACKING ABRUZZEN LOOP
RIDABLE
85 %
PEAK
1.688 m
DIFFICULTY
8.594 Hm
DAYS
7
DISTANCE
483 Km
