Big Bench Route: giant benches walk in Umbria - Cammini d'Umbria

The route begins in Norcia, on the slopes of the Sibillini Mountains, and then continues, towards Cascia, where Saint Rita, known as the “Saint of the impossible,” lived.

The first stage of the route does not present any particular difficulties. It starts in Norcia, on the slopes of the Sibillini Mountains, and after crossing the Santa Scolastica plain, the path climbs gradually over the mountains that separate Norcia from Cascia, before descending into Cascia.

After an initial stretch on asphalt, the route follows unpaved roads and trails, including sections of the CAI 150B and CAI 101 paths. Along the descent, it passes the Hermitage of Buonriposo, a privately owned site that can be visited by prior appointment, with a water spring located just outside.

The route then reaches Villa Montesca and its park before entering Città di Castello. The historic centre is home to major artistic landmarks, including the Municipal Art Gallery in Palazzo Vitelli alla Cannoniera, the Burri collections in Palazzo Albizzini and the Former Tobacco Drying Sheds, the Cathedral, and the historic civic palaces.

From Città di Castello, the route follows the pedestrian and cycle path along the River Tiber, partly coinciding with CAI Trail 126, through a varied riverside landscape before reaching the Laghi Spada Nature Park.

It then continues towards Trestina and Montecastelli. From here, walkers may choose to make a detour to the Abbey of Saints Cassian and Hippolytus, once associated with the Camaldolese congregation. The route continues along CAI Trail 136, gradually leaving the valley floor before tackling the final climb to Montone. The village preserves the Church and Museum of San Francesco and is closely linked to the historical figure of Braccio Fortebraccio. Local tradition also commemorates Saint Albertino, prior of Fonte Avellana.

From Montone, the route descends towards the Tiber Valley, following the cycle route and CAI Trail 136. After passing the Laghi di Faldo, it reaches Umbertide, where visitors can explore the Rocca, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria della Reggia, and the Piazza San Francesco complex.

From the railway station, the route continues along a pedestrian and cycle path running parallel to the Via Tiberina 3 Bis, before reaching the Montecorona complex. The Abbey of San Salvatore, traditionally associated with the Romualdian foundation of the 11th century, is one of the principal spiritual landmarks along the route. From the abbey, Variant 18a leads to the Hermitage of Montecorona.

The variant starts from the abbey complex and climbs the slopes of Monte Acuto along the historic path known as "La Mattonata".

The route gains approximately 460 metres of elevation in less than four kilometres, requiring a steady pace and suitable trekking footwear. It ends at the Hermitage of Montecorona, a place of monastic life and spiritual retreat. The official variant is described as a one-way route: those returning to the abbey should also allow for the descent and check access arrangements and visiting conditions in advance.

Leaving the Abbey of Montecorona, the route heads towards the former Arezzo–Fossato di Vico railway and climbs to Serra Partucci, which offers views of Civitella Ranieri Castle. It then continues to Campaola, from where it is possible to take a 1.3-kilometre detour to the Abbey of San Faustino.

The central section follows unpaved ridge roads with wide views over the Gubbio basin and towards Monte Nerone. After Cima di Sant'Anna, the route also follows sections of SP 204 and SP 201 before reaching Pietralunga, a village enclosed by medieval walls and dominated by the remains of its Lombard fortress.

Leaving Pietralunga, the route reaches the Castle and the Abbey of San Benedetto Vecchio, an 11th-century complex closely associated with Saint Peter Damian. A ridge road leads to the scenic Passo del Cardinale and then to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Salia.

Following the Fosso di Salia, the route climbs towards Caileto and the Sanctuary of Madonna di Fontecoperta. The final section follows mainly unpaved roads, with short stretches of asphalt, through forests of beech, oak, Turkey oak, hornbeam and black pine. Along the way, walkers pass a shrine dedicated to Saint Ubaldo before reaching San Lorenzo di Burano, in the Serra di Burano.