Stage 10B - Alternative route - from Stroncone to Greccio - La Via di Francesco

This leg of the Roman Way goes from Stroncone to the sanctuary at Greccio, leaving Umbria for Lazio as well as the detour that goes through Terni.This leg goes through mountains, beautiful steep ones with lots of kilometres uphill to cover for a cumulative climb of more than 1,000 metres. You need to be fit and know how to pace yourself.Departure is downhill from Stroncone to Vascigliano, then to Lugnola and then, ten kilometres from the start, the first ascent presents itself. The roads are far from traffic and you will pass small villages perched on slopes surrounded by woods, a lovely landscape of pristine nature.The ascent is not steep, there are downhill stretches to catch your breath until you get to the lovely village of Cottanello, perched on high. From here the climb becomes steady and hard until you reach the Fonte di Cerro pass.Once past the pass there is a downhill stretch to Contigliano during which to relax your muscles and recover some strength. From here you enjoy a few kilometres over flat land before the next climb takes you to Greccio first and then to the Sanctuary of St Francis. You will feel the exhaustion but the gorgeous views of the valley below and the pleasure of having reached the sanctuary will go far in relieving the pain.