meditation diary of travel pilgrimage of francesco of assisi

Stage 7

1. from Poggio Bustone to Piediluco

Description

Walking
The stage starts at the Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone and reaches the shores of Lake Piediluco.
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From

Poggio Bustone

To

Piediluco

Distance

22,01 Km

Increase in altitude

+ 566m

Loss of altitude

- 996m

Surface

Asphalt – Dirt road – Mule track

Road Sign

yes (wooden signs indicating Francesco's Way, yellow-blue signs, horizontal CAI red and white signs, vertical and horizontal yellow-blue signs)

Travel time

7 h 30'

Water sources

yes

Resting areas

yes

Degree of difficulty

challenging

Leaving the Sacred Valley, the route starts from the Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone and enters Umbria.
The main difficulty of the stage is the ascent, at times steep, to the Beech Tree of Saint Francis, but the effort is rewarded by the powerful presence of this ancient tree, at whose base one can stop for a rest.
Legend has it that, in this place, the Poor Man of Assisi was suddenly caught in a violent storm. Francis sought shelter under a beech tree, which miraculously bent its branches like an umbrella. What is certain is that, after the long climb, even today pilgrims cannot resist stopping at the foot of this majestic tree, as shown by the many objects left hanging from its branches.
For the rest of the stage, the walk continues along very pleasant paths and mule tracks, accompanied by splendid views over Lakes Lungo and Ripasottile and the Rieti Plain.
Along the route lies the small village of Labro, an excellent place for a stop.
From above and in the distance, the Castle of Piediluco comes into view, while the path continues on flat terrain towards the village.
Welcoming the pilgrim is Lake Piediluco, often immortalized by artists of the Grand Tour, where the Sanctuary preserves the memory of the passage of the Patron Saint of Italy and of ecology.

Sources 
There are water fountains in Colle Rucciolo, Labro, Vocabolo Valle Spoletina, Piediluco. Remember to fill your water bottle with at least 1.5 litres of water in the summer.

Intermediate stages 
There are resting areas where you can stop and take a regenerative break. There is a bar in the little village of Labro.

Suggestions
Crouching at the foot of the great “Faggio di San Francisco” is a must. The first stretch should be tackled at a slow pace, after which the route becomes easier. Labro is a little gem worthy of a visit. We recommend that you have the maps of the trail with you. Simplified maps can be downloaded by clicking on the online map. Remember to always have a small supply of food with you (fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars, something energy-giving in general).

Information (e.g. how to get there using public transport)
Tourist Information Office and IAT Tourist Information in the Terni Area (Comprensorio Ternano)
Address: Via Cassian Bon, 4 - 05100 Terni
Phone: 0744 423047 - Fax 0744 427259
Email: info@iat.terni.it