Organization:

The Templars' Trail is self-guided.

You can download the guide, request the trails, study the information on these pages, contact the facilities, and set off.

Tra Montana Guide dell'Appennino offers its own hiking guides to accompany you. For information and reservations, please contact us here.

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Periods:

The Templars' Trail is accessible year-round. The altitudes are never too high, maximum 1,100 meters above sea level, so you can walk even in winter (perhaps with a pair of snowshoes in case of emergency).

Obviously, trail maintenance is done in spring; if it snows heavily in winter, trees may fall and block the path somewhat. In summer, it can be hot, especially if there are abnormal heat waves throughout Italy, but only during the central hours of the day: the area is breezy and shaded.

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How to get to the starting point:

The official starting point of the Templars' Way is in Gubbio (PG), accessible by car or bus from major Umbrian cities. You can get there by train from Fossato di Vico station, then by bus to Gubbio. Bus schedules can be found on FsBusItalia, and train schedules on Trenitalia.

You can also start the walk from one of the five stopover towns, such as Costacciaro. This is fine, but to obtain a certificate of completion, you must complete the entire circular route and always end in the starting town.

All the towns along the Way can be reached by car and bus, although the frequency is very limited.

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Where to park:

GUBBIO: San Benedetto covered parking lot, San Pietro covered parking lot, and Santa Lucia parking lot.

COSTACCIARO: Parking beyond the clock gate, Roccaccia parking lot.

SCHEGGIA: Parking lot on Via Campo Sportivo, Borgo parking lot.

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Orientation:

The Templars' Way is fully marked with red and white markings and metal plaques bearing the trail's logo. It's important to set out with a map, and if you like, also with GPS tracks, which are available for free download. All cleaning and marking work is done by volunteers. In case of snowfall, orientation becomes more difficult, and the markings may become obscured.

Coverage and Safety:
In some valleys and gorges, cell phone signal may be lacking. We strongly recommend downloading maps for offline use (via a GPS app) and always informing someone of your planned stop, especially if you're walking alone.

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Direction of Travel:

The Templars' Way is designed to be counterclockwise. Those walking clockwise must be extra careful, especially at crossroads, to avoid losing the trail. In this case, we strongly recommend using GPS tracks.

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Map and guide:

Constantly updated, you can download them in this section of the website.

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Length of stages (is it possible to combine two stages?):

We have created a route with stages of ideal length to enjoy the walk. It seems short compared to walks on easy terrain (Santiago, Via Francigena). But be careful not to underestimate them by combining two stages, because kilometers don't really convey the difficulty. The walk isn't a race; it should be experienced at a slow pace, in the here and now, without worrying about it getting dark or arriving exhausted.

Pay attention to elevation gain: In addition to kilometers, consider the elevation gain (D+). The Apennine profile is characterized by continuous ups and downs, which can be more tiring than a single steady climb. Always consult the estimated travel times in the guide before setting out.

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Luggage and passenger transport:

You often ask us how to get from one stage to another. Given the lack of public transportation, we've asked local people to collaborate. Contact us for details.

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Where to stay:

On this page, you can find all the accommodations you can stay in along the way.

The accommodations that have signed up and been selected to be part of the Camino network are those that have signed a commitment protocol to offer good value for money to walkers.

There are also other accommodations in the area; if they aren't on our list, it's because they haven't joined or don't meet the requirements to be part of the network.

Accommodations must be booked well in advance! Especially in high season.

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Sleeping in a tent:

In the Monte Cucco Park, it's possible to camp from dusk to dawn. On the Pian delle Macinare plateau, being a strictly protected area, it is possible to bivouac only if you have our "Lettera di Cambio" credential, or by contacting the university of the original men of Costacciaro at this address: https://www.uominioriginaricostacciaro.it .

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REGULATIONS FOR THOSE SLEEPING IN TENT
Since the number of tent sleepers is high, especially in summer, we ask that whenever possible, you sleep in equipped areas, agri-campsites, or similar, which provide bathrooms and respect for hygiene for a small fee.

In any case, it is always possible to sleep in a tent, even outside of designated areas, by choosing suitable sites (do not pitch tents in villages, but at least 500 meters from houses). It is mandatory not to leave waste behind, such as tissues, and always bury your waste.
The most well-equipped sites that accept tents are always updated on the Accommodation page.

For the rest, we recommend that you prepare for sleeping in the wild, bringing jerry cans to carry water if you are far from the source.
If you sleep freely in the wild, it is important to always leave everything perfectly clean. The impact of walkers must be minimal; we leave no traces, thank you!

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Waste Management (Leave No Trace):

There are no trash cans along the trails. Bring a special bag to dispose of your waste (including cigarette butts and tissues) and dispose of it properly upon arrival at accommodations or in residential areas.

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Water:

There is always water in the villages, fountains, and water fountains; all water sources in the area (unless otherwise indicated) are drinkable.

If necessary, you can kindly ask the locals for water.

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Shops, bars, and restaurants:

Few, but they are available in all the villages along the Templars' Trail.

ATMs: There are ATMs in the larger villages, but many small, family-run businesses do not have a POS terminal (or internet connection). Carrying cash is highly recommended.

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Meal Planning:

In smaller villages, grocery stores often have limited hours (long afternoon closures). Check opening times in advance to avoid missing dinner or breakfast for the next day.

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The Exchange Charter (credential):

Here you can find all the information about our credential.

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Organized Groups:

Tra Montana Guide dell'Appennino provides professional hiking guides to accompany you along the entire trail, or throughout the year we organize tours along the entire Templar's Trail.

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Collaborations and Assistance:

The Templar's Trail relies on the voluntary work of a few people, who put in a lot of effort every year to clear the trails, which at these altitudes become overgrown with brambles, weeds, and shrubs, and to mark the trails with paint. They cover all expenses (paint, brushes, gasoline, tools, etc.) out of their own pockets. We ask everyone's cooperation; anyone walking the trail is asked to help keep it clean by picking up any trash. Thank you!

Walking with your dog:

In Monte Cucco Park, it is prohibited to leave dogs unattended (as in all natural parks), primarily to protect wildlife. Our four-legged friends may be brought with them on leashes and harnesses specifically designed for walking and trekking.

All facilities, some more willingly than others, welcome dogs, but it is essential that you make arrangements in advance and that your dog is well-behaved and clean to be welcome.

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Sheepdogs:

Rare, but they may exist. These dogs are accustomed to the passage of hikers; they are noisy but not aggressive toward humans; no aggression has ever been recorded in Monte Cucco Park.
This could be a problem if you have a dog with you; in that case, make sure to ask the shepherd, who by law must visually supervise the flock, and will help you pass. If this is not the case, please immediately contact the Carabinieri Forestali at 112 and notify us at +39 353 424 9095.

Recommended Equipment:

We recommend paying particular attention to clothing, footwear, and all other necessary equipment (backpack, food, water, etc.): you must carefully plan according to the season in which you are hiking.

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First Aid Kit:

In addition to layered clothing (essential for the Apennine winds), don't forget a small foot care kit (blister plasters, disinfectant) and mineral salts, especially valuable during the more exposed summer stages.

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"The walker's advice":

"The Apennines are not measured in meters, but in emotions and silence. Don't rush: the Templars' Path crosses ancient lands that deserve to be explored slowly, one step at a time."

Use of the Templars' Path logo without authorization is prohibited.