Introduction: This is one of the most interesting and demanding traverses you can do in the Velino group. The presence of two refreshment points along the route means you can do it in a single day or alternatively in two days, with an overnight stay at Rifugio Sebastiani.
Route features: A varied route, marked by a whole range of mountain aspects, from the walk in the woods to the ride along the ridge, from the classic route over boulder fields to the well-marked path. No mountaineering difficulties; demanding in height gain as well as in distance.
We suggest the route from Piani di Pezza to Rosciolo because tackling it in reverse would mean adding to the distance the considerable height gain that climbs from Rosciolo to Capanna di Sevice, making it extremely tiring.
Route description
The first part of the route goes as far as Rifugio Vincenzo Sebastiani (read the following fact sheet) and calls for modest physical effort and about 2 hours 50 of walking.
Here it is possible (by booking in advance with the hut keeper) to sleep the night and set off at first light, or else to carry on with the route.
From Rifugio Vincenzo Sebastiani you take the path that heads south, moving right below the ridge of Monte Costone, then slowly climb onto the long ridge of Colle dell'Orso until you reach the nearby Punta Trento (2243 m) and, without going up it, you descend over broad meadows in the direction (south) of Colle del Bicchero.
Colle del Bicchero forms a broad saddle dividing the upper part of the Valle Majelama from the Valle dei Briganti. You cross the saddle among dolines and erratic boulders. These are the rocks crumbling from the long ridge of Monte Cafornia. Slowly you find yourself on the ridge. Carrying on southwards you can reach the nearby, visible summit of Monte Cafornia (2424 m) or carry on westwards following the broad semicircular ridge that looks north over the wide Valle dei Briganti. Following the crest of the ridge, the obvious traces of path lead us, after an awkward boulder field, to the summit of Monte Velino. If you like. From the summit of Monte Velino you descend towards the Costognillo and Monte Sevice, and coming down from it you will meet the Capanna di Sevice, well placed at the edge of the broad grassy plain. South of the Capanna di Sevice the signposts and the yellow-and-red waymarks show the descent path, which first runs along the slopes of Monte Rozza then moves onto the slopes of Monte Sevice until it goes deep into the Vallone di Sevice. Here a break to catch your breath is suggested. The descent from Capanna di Sevice is long and boring; in some stretches you go in and out of the remnant wood that covers the ridge. You can only have some orientation problems on the way down if you make the mistake of heading straight for the car park where we had left the first car.
Path no. 3, which descends along the Vallone di Sevice, actually seems to move west towards Passo Le Forche. Soon, however, you will reach the gravel road that comes down from Passo Le Forche. Carrying on down the gravel road you reach the car.
Variants and alternatives
No variant possible except going up Monte Cafornia, lengthening the already long route a little.
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
- Rifugio Vincenzo Sebastiani
- Capanna di Sevice
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Velino traverse from Piani di Pezza to Rosciolo take?
It takes about 10-11 hours of walking, with about 1500 m of ascent and 1950 m of descent. If you prefer to split it over two days you can spend the night at Rifugio Vincenzo Sebastiani, booking in advance with the hut keeper.
Why is it better to do the traverse from Piani di Pezza rather than from Rosciolo?
Starting from Rosciolo you would add to the long distance the big height gain up to the Capanna di Sevice, making the traverse extremely tiring. In the suggested direction the route is graded EE+ (Escursionisti Esperti, for experienced hikers; the + marks the upper end of the grade) and has no mountaineering difficulties.
