Walking
You may wish to spend leisurely afternoons on short self-guided walks, whether to lie on a sun-warmed rock on a meadow promontory with epic views, wandering through Decontra’s upland pastures, or exploring the dramatic gorges of the Orfento and the Orta. Instead you might choose some medium length (half-day) walks, following pilgrims’ footsteps to the cliff sanctuary of San Bartolomeo, discovering the beech-woods and wildflower meadows of Lama Bianca, or aiming to eat your picnic and paddle at the amazing water-carved rocks of the Orta. On one or two days you might embark on a full day excursion, heading deep into the Orfento Gorge, or through peaceful woodland to the extensive sanctuary of Santo Spirito, or high above the village to the secluded cave-church of San Giovanni, last refuge of Pope Celestine V. If you choose to join the three organised walks per week, you could find yourself exploring a Romanesque church and a ruined castle; stepping through patches of snow in high summer in the rocky cirque of Le Murelle, or standing on the grassy summit of Monte Morrone. Choose each day to walk just as much or as little as you like, or if you prefer, don’t walk at all and instead spend the day reading and relaxing on a sunny terrace or by the plunge pool, taking in the views.
