Stage 6 - from Scheggino to Monteluco - La Via di Francesco

The sixth leg of the Southern Way goes from the little hilltop town of Scheggino to Monteluco, the mountain that looks out over Spoleto and home to the holy woods and the Eremo delle Carceri hermitage. Today’s route is hard ride over paved and dirt roads and includes a long climb to reach the Forca di Cerro pass and then another to get to Monteluco. Leave Scheggino over the Greenway along the Nera where you will find the first climb, short but steep, towards Sant’Anatolia di Narco. From here continue along the Nera River to Castel San Felice and then head towards Piedipaterno. At Sant’Anatolia di Narco, if you have a well-equipped hybrid bike with quality lights, you can consider getting to Spoleto via a fascinating detour, the old Spoleto-Norcia railroad tracks that have recently been transformed into a cycle path through dark tunnels and over viaducts. This dirt path is an alternative route to reach Forca di Cerro, just as difficult but a fun way to cover the distance. If you would prefer to travel along the traditional route, continue over the plains to Piedipaterno, where the long ascent on paved road to Forca di Cerro begins. This 9 kilometre stretch is very panoramic and there is little road traffic. The gradient never exceeds 5 to 6% and at the end, the downhill is wide and pleasant and will take you right to the entrance of Spoleto, where a visit to the historical centre is a must both for the landmarks and for a nice break from the saddle to give your legs a rest and get them ready for the assault upwards towards Monteluco. Be careful when you cross the busy Flamina road to enter the woods where the ascent to Monteluco begins. Although the slope is never especially steep, it is 7 kilometres of uphill pedalling at the end of an already demanding day, so pace yourself and go slowly. The sheer beauty and mysticism of this place will go far in rewarding you for your efforts.