Distance: 18 km
Height difference: 836 m ascent, 809 m descent
Walking time: about 6 hours including stops

The route begins in Maniago, known as the 'City of Cutlery' for its historical tradition in ironworking. Since the Middle Ages, the waters of the Colvera torrent and the craftsmanship of the inhabitants have given rise to workshops, which later became flourishing industries. Before moving on, it is worth visiting the Museum of the art of ironworking, a modern and interactive space that tells the history and evolution of this fascinating activity. After your visit, take a stroll through the historical centre, stopping to admire the Duomo, a fine example of Romanesque architecture.

Having left the city, the path continues uphill towards a completely different landscape: the Colvera Valley. In spring and autumn, this valley takes on a fairy-tale charm, amid lush forests and ancient villages surrounded by nature. Here echo legends of spirits and mysterious creatures, such as the agane, mythological figures linked to the waters that populate many local traditions.

The road winds gently up to Poffabro, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. From this suggestive vantage point, your gaze embraces the valley, while walking through its alleys and stone houses allows you to take in enchanting details: well-kept flowers in the flower beds, decorations on the façades, ancient wooden balconies.

Continuing on, you arrive at Frisanco, another jewel of the Colvera Valley. Similar, but with a character all its own, it offers surprising glimpses of narrow alleys and stone houses that suddenly open onto meadows and mountains. Passing through silent woods, you reach Valdistali, then the small hamlet of Preplans, a symbol of the return to the origins of those who, after leaving these lands, have decided to return in search of tranquillity and beauty.

Having crossed the Meduna river, the route ends in Meduno, the final destination of this intense stage, but one rich in natural and historical wonders.

Arrival in Meduno in the late afternoon, check-in at the farmhouse, dinner and overnight stay.

Fellow travellers and guardians of the path: Fabiano Bruna, Regional Nature Guide of the Friulian Dolomites; Giorgio Zampieri, Guide Cansiglio Prealpi Hiking; Giulia Oblach, Accessible Tourism Expert; Pietro Del Din, Environmental Guide
Hiking; Tanja Beinat, Environmental Hiking Guide

Length 16 km

Height difference: 441 m ascent - 491 m descent

Walking time: about 5 hours including stops

Departure from Meduno at 9 a.m. after breakfast and check-out. After Meduno, the route descends again to the fertile plain, where fields stretch to the horizon and suddenly open up to hills and mountains. Among these towers Mount Valinis, internationally known among hang-gliding and paragliding enthusiasts. Here, you can witness spectacular flying displays, similar to those of the birds of prey that inhabit this land: griffons, eagles, hawks, kites, kestrels, sparrow hawks and buzzards.

Shortly afterwards, the remains of another medieval castle will appear at your side, that of Toppo, a village listed among the most beautiful in Italy. Its narrow streets and ancient courtyards guard a discreet and precious charm. As you ascend to the castle, you will be able to admire a panorama that has enchanted those who reach it for centuries.

Before arriving at the next town, let yourself be captivated by the sight of a group of isolated hills in the plain, which look like huge stones laid by the hand of a giant.

Continuing in this peaceful rural atmosphere, you will be welcomed by Travesio, a small town where time seems to pass more slowly. Here you can visit the parish church of San Pietro Apostolo, embellished with frescoes by Pordenone and sculptures by Pilacorte.

Having passed the village and crossed the Cosa stream, which rises in the mountains to your left and flows through canyons explored by speleologists from all over Europe, the Path begins to climb again through the mountain woods. It will lead you to Vigna, a hamlet of Castelnovo del Friuli, a labyrinthine village consisting of more than 30 hamlets. Here it is worth stopping to visit the hill where the remains of another castle and the church of San Nicolò stand, from which you can enjoy a wide view over the plain you have just crossed and the one that awaits you.

Fellow travellers and guardians of the path: Giorgio Zampieri, Guide Cansiglio Prealpi Hiking; Tanja Beinat, Environmental Hiking Guide