IT 2.03 CUCCO GROUP

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The itinerary starts from Casa il Sasso (1)
You cross the Rio Freddo stream (in the new signage it crosses about 300 meters further) which marks the border between Marche and Umbria and take path 229 (3) which climbs steeply until it intersects the dirt road, path 136C, coming from San Felice. (2,3,4,5)
A short stop to enjoy the view and continue with path 229 (3) until reaching path 276 (19) to descend to the Rio Freddo stream; this is the only intermediate point that allows exiting the gorge. (6,7,8,9,10,11)
Climb up, s.n. (ex28), until you intersect path 229 (3) again continuing uphill to the meadows that must be skirted on the West side with faint signage keeping mid-slope until Passo Porraia or Passo della Madonna (as nicknamed by the inhabitants of San Felice), b.136B-b.136D. (12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19)
In this area, it is possible to find fossils dating back millions of years. Just above there is the commemorative plaque dedicated to Don Erminio Petruio, teacher and one of the main creators of the birth and development of hiking in Fabriano in the early 1900s. (20)
Just below take a small detour to the right, with path 275 (18), pass b.241 (16) to the start of the Rio Freddo Gorge which can only be descended with appropriate equipment. (21,22,23,24)
The entire gorge is a SIC (Site of Community Importance) and is one of the most beautiful and evocative in Italy; here canyoning was born. (25,26,27)
Return following path 229 (3) for a short stretch, leaving it at the junction with path 242 (17), which climbs on the right to intercept path 225 (1) following it to the right. (28,29,30,31)
Pass b.241(16), after Passo del Lupo (a panoramic point from which you can see the underlying Gorge, M. Strega, Catria, Motette and Nerone) continue through the beech forest until reaching the large meadow of Pian delle Macinare, b.226 (6), a karstic depression. The presence of tables makes it an ideal spot for a break and some refreshment. (32,33,34)
Continue to the right with path 230 (4) until you reach Acqua Passera spring and, after passing b.282 (26) and shortly after 234 (8), continue right on the dirt road which further ahead enters the beech forest. (35,36,37,38)
Continue until the junction with path 231 (5) and continue with path 230 (4) which descends to the right. (39,40)
The beech forest gives way to a predominantly hop hornbeam, hornbeam and holm oak wood. (41,42)
Continue descending with a series of switchbacks that make the path easier. (43,44)
After the fairly challenging descent, you arrive at the Hermitage of San Girolamo. (45,46,47)
The hermitage is perched at the base of a limestone rock amphitheater on a rock spur that overlooks the Rio Freddo valley. After various vicissitudes the hermitage was reopened by the Camaldolese Hermits of Monte Corona in 1992 who live in cloister according to their order. (48)
Recommended stop to silently admire the place suggested both by the presence of the hermitage and the austerity of nature between sheer rock faces and a chestnut grove with ancient specimens. (49,50)
Continue descending along a very steep semi-paved road (not recommended for cars) until you reach Casa il Sasso again. (51,52,53)