Giro delle Acque di Sassofeltrio e via dei Borromeo
The Water Circuit of Sassofeltrio and Via dei Borromeo represents one of the most scenic and panoramic routes in the Monte San Paolo area, crossing the territories of the municipalities of Monte Grimano Terme and Sassofeltrio. This route combines natural beauty, history, and breathtaking views of the entire valley.”
Monte Grimano Terme, the ideal starting point for the route, is a village in the Marche region located in the heart of Montefeltro, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. The town is renowned for its sulfurous thermal baths, which have been a source of wellness and natural health since the 15th century. Sassofeltrio, perched on a cliff at an altitude of about 466 meters, overlooks the Val Conca with spectacular views stretching from the Adriatic Sea to Mount Carpegna and Mount Titano. The village is known as the “Terrace of Montefeltro” for its exceptional panoramic vistas.
Summary table of the itinerary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Water Circuit of Sassofeltrio and Via dei Borromeo |
| Type | Mixed route: trekking + mountain bike (MTB) |
| Trail status | Open and accessible |
| Total length | Approximately 10–13 km (depending on the variant) |
| Positive elevation gain | Approximately 450–500 meters |
| Negative elevation gain | Approximately 450–500 meters |
| Difficulty | Medium (E – Hiking) |
| Estimated duration | 4–5 hours (with breaks) |
| Minimum altitude | Approximately 300–350 meters above sea level (Valle Sant’Anastasio) |
| Maximum altitude | Approximately 800–860 meters above sea level (Monte San Paolo ridge) |
| Main surface | Trails, dirt roads, white roads |
| Recommended starting points | Monte Grimano Terme (village) or Sassofeltrio (Valle Sant’Anastasio) |
| Main points of interest | – Trail of Secrets – Cippo of Garibaldi – Sulfur Water Trail (Valle Sant’Anastasio) – Via dei Borromeo (Monte San Paolo ridge) – Cross of Monte San Paolo – Views of Valconca and the Adriatic Coast |
| Trail accessibility | Suitable for trained hikers and cyclists with good preparation; not recommended after recent rain due to muddy sections |
| Best period | Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) |
| Recommended equipment | Trekking shoes or MTB, technical clothing, water, rain jacket, map or GPS track |
| Events related to the route | Granfondo La Via dei Borromeo, Ride4Bronz, trekking organized by Bike-Advisor and Pro Loco |
Offerta
Technical and Environmental Characteristics
Elevation and Distance
While precise data for the specific "Doppio Monte San Paolo" route may vary, based on connected trails we can estimate:
- Total Ascent (Elevation Gain): approx. 500-600 meters
- Length: approx. 12-15 km
- Duration: 3-4 hours for trekking, approx. 2 hours by MTB
Environment
The route crosses a highly diverse landscape:
- Chestnut and beech forests.
- Open pastures of Mount San Paolo.
- Scenic unpaved ridgelines.
- Valley zones with riparian vegetation (Sant'Anastasio Valley).
- Shaded woodland paths.
Trail Signage
The paths are marked with CAI (Italian Alpine Club) trail signs. They are part of the Monte Grimano Terme and Sassofeltrio trail network, which boasts a total of 75 km of cycling paths with 2,600 meters of total elevation gain.
Points of Interest
Historical
- Garibaldi Memorial (Cippo di Garibaldi): A monument commemorating Giuseppe Garibaldi's passage in 1849.
- Church of Suripe: An ancient church located along the trail.
- Medieval Routes: Ancient communication paths dating back to the Middle Ages.
Naturalistic
- Meleto Springs: Natural sources of sulfurous water.
- Sant'Anastasio Valley: A valley characterized by the presence of sulfurous springs.
- Mount San Paolo Pastures: High-altitude grazing lands (please ensure all gates are closed after passing).
- Panoramic Views: Stunning vistas overlooking San Marino, the Adriatic coast, Valmarecchia, and the Montefeltro region.
Practical Information
Access
The main starting point is easily accessible from the center of Monte Grimano Terme, in Piazza Matteotti. For those wishing to access the "Sulphurous Waters Trail" from Sassofeltrio, the reference point is Ca' Micci in the Sant'Anastasio Valley.
Recommended Periods
The trail is accessible from spring to autumn. The best times to visit are March–May for the spring blooms and September–October for the autumn colors (foliage).
Recommendations
- Fitness: A good level of physical training is required due to the elevation gain and distance.
- Pasture Gates: Always close gates behind you to respect local livestock.
- Safety: Always follow the official CAI signage.
- Water: Carry sufficient water, especially during the summer months.
Connection with Other Routes
The "Doppio Monte San Paolo" can be combined with other local itineraries:
- Village Loop (Giro del Borgo): A short route around the village of Monte Grimano Terme.
- Sassofeltrio Water Loop & Borromeo Way: Itineraries passing through the "Path of Secrets" and the Sassofeltrio waters.
- Magic Montefeltro (19 km, 600m ascent): A circular route including parts of the Mount San Paolo trails.
This itinerary is part of the trail system promoted by Bike-Advisor and Leurini Trail, highlighted through events such as the Granfondo La Via dei Borromeo and Ride4Bronz.
Route map
Path of Secrets