Introduction: A route that winds along the long and at times monotonous floor of the Valle Majellama. The look of the rocks and the drops isn't as spectacular as in other gorges of the Apennines. It is certainly worth a visit in winter conditions, when the snow makes the view in the upper part of the valley more evocative.
Features of the route: Path very well waymarked both going up and coming down. You notice the excellent upkeep of the waymarks, placed ad hoc so that they stand out even when the ground is covered in snow.
Access to the valley is forbidden from 15 February to 15 August.As a base in the area the fact sheet lists the Rifugio Casale da Monte.
The hike to Cimata Fossa dei Cavalli also starts from Forme.
Route description
From the car park you climb the hill opposite the road and straight away you pick up the path that leads into the Valle Majellama. The first stretch of the valley runs through a low wood of stunted shrubs. In its first stretch the valley is deeply enclosed, then it slowly opens out, leaving room for a wider view. The view isn't particularly evocative. You stay shut in on the valley floor for 95% of the route. The waymarks are crystal clear and if you follow the valley floor you can't go wrong. You carry on up to the saddle next to the Colle del Bicchero. Here, at last, you come out into the open and can look out over the Val di Teve below and the Vallone dei Briganti. You curve round to the south. After the last short uphill stretch you reach the summit of the Colle del Bicchero, where a stone cairn is waiting for us.
Wonderful (but only here) the view over the north side of the Velino, made even more evocative for anyone who wants to climb the Bicchero in winter.
Variants and alternatives
From the summit of the Bicchero you can quickly reach Punta Trento and Punta Trieste.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Frequently asked questions
When can you walk the Valle Majelama?
According to the fact sheet, access to the valley is forbidden from 15 February to 15 August. The route is at its best in winter conditions, when the snow makes the upper part of the valley more evocative; before setting off it's worth checking the ban currently in force.
How hard is the climb to Colle del Bicchero from Forme?
The EE- grade (Escursionisti Esperti, for experienced hikers; the "-" means the lower end of the grade) is mainly down to the 1090 metres of height gain: there are no technical or route-finding difficulties and the path is very well waymarked. In winter the effort goes up a lot because of drifted snow. Not suitable for children.
