Introduction: Although Monte di Cambio is not a summit of interest from a mountaineering point of view, nor from an aesthetic one, we must note that the route proposed here nonetheless has many positive aspects. It is a panoramic route with views of Monte Terminillo and of Monte Elefante that are truly unusual and marvellous.
Route features: The route runs mostly on a gravel road and has no mountaineering difficulties. A mountain route suitable for children from 8 years up. With a minimum of physical effort you reach a summit of over two thousand metres. Waymarking not essential. In spring the vegetation can hold many surprises.
Route description
White and red paint marks indicate path 404 for Monte di Cambio. The path runs mostly on a gravel road. You walk two hairpin bends under a cool cover of trees. Out of the wood you walk another 4 bends, with a gradual and modest climb. After the 4 bends, a large rock tower: this is the CAI Rieti climbing crag named after Enzo Diletti. The route is equipped with relatively new bolts.
You get past another two hairpin bends and finally look out over the small plateau of soft humps and dolines. The gravel road runs along the ridge of Monte Porcini. In the distance we can make out the position of Monte di Cambio. We leave the gravel road to start climbing slowly and gently up Monte Porcini. Those who want to avoid the climb to Monte Porcini can carry on along the gravel road.
From the summit of Monte Porcini you descend northwards over steep meadows and loose rubble. Funnelling into a small drainage gully full of loose rubble, you descend until you find again the gravel road below, which we had left when climbing Monte Porcini.
You carry on for another 4-5 hairpins, then slowly move west, leaving the gravel road. On this side the meadows seem to look out like a balcony towards the Valle Scura. Following the soft line of the ridge you reach the foot of Monte di Cambio. This alternative route, which we recommend, is far more panoramic than the one that follows the gravel road all the way to Monte di Cambio. Here a last short physical effort awaits us, up to the summit over arid, rocky ground. The summit holds a large metal cross. The landscape, as we said, is spectacular, particularly towards the nearby and higher Monte Terminillo. The way back is by the same route as the way up.
Variants and alternatives
Notes on effort and difficulty
Visitor centres and accommodation
Rifugio Angelo Sebastiani
At Pian de Valli (Terminillo) many bars and tourist facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monte di Cambio suitable for children?
Yes, the route is graded E (Escursionistico, hiking path) and requires no technical effort. It runs largely on a gravel road and is suitable for children aged 8 and up, who depending on their age will need a bit of patience and physical effort.
How much height gain is there from the Sella di Leonessa to Monte di Cambio?
The total ascent given for the route is 550 metres, with 250 metres of net height gain. You can also go up Monte Porcini or skirt round it on the gravel road below and head straight for Monte di Cambio, at 2081 metres.
