Cammino Retico
A four/five-day itinerary through evocative landscapes following in the footsteps of the ancient Rhaetian people. The route crosses plateaus, valleys, and mountain villages, touching on historical sites such as the Feltrino fjord of Lake Corlo, the magnificent Feltrina valley, and the plateaus that crown it.
73 km
2.440 d+
start point
Pedavena
- Birreria Pedavena
Viale Vittorio Veneto 76 , 32034 Pedavena (BL)
Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays) from 9:00 to 19:00
Lamon
- Osteria Ponte Serra
Via Ponte Serra 2, 32033 Lamon (BL)
Always open from 5.15 a.m. to 8 p.m.
tel. +39 0439 9010
mobile +39 392 114 4026
Arsiè
- Hotel Parigi
via San Cassiano 9, 32030 Arsiè (BL)
Every day from 1 April to 30 September from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., from 1 October to 31 March by telephone appointment
Telephone +39 0439 5852 or +39 348 251 3638 WhatsApp (Barbara) - Pizzeria al lago Arsiè
via Campagna 14, 32030 Arsiè (BL)
Telephone +39 0439 1910476 or +39 346 000 6258 WhatsApp (Nicola)
CREDENTIALS AND ACCOMPANYING
Traveller’s package €25
- GPX tracks
- Online guide
- Credential (sequential number)
- Transparent envelope (credential holder)
- Gadget
- Temporary insurance
Guide service
Those interested in having the mid-mountain guide Giovanni Reato:
- Telephone: +39 328 8553478
- Email: giovannatoll@gmail.com
Hospitality along the route
go to all facilities and packages
Tips and recommendations for tackling the Camino
Clothing and equipment
Often underestimated, this part of planning your trip is of fundamental importance and, if poorly managed, could prevent you from enjoying the journey and cause you problems.
When we talk about trekking, we are referring to a “slow walk”, often lasting several days, which can be done alone or in company. The important thing is to be prepared. Let’s see how.
The first thing you absolutely must do is choose the right rucksack for your needs. Our first piece of advice is to choose the lightest one possible.
If you decide to undertake the Cammino Retico, you must be aware that you cannot complete it in a single day, so you will need to allow space for a sleeping bag and a small tent, not to mention a supply of food and water in case of emergency.
This is where planning your route, as discussed in the chapter on “Physical preparation”, comes in handy, because the clothing you wear and carry with you will vary depending on the season in which you choose to undertake the Cammino Retico.
In winter, we will need heavy boots and many more items in our rucksack, unlike in summer, when our clothing will be lighter and, consequently, our rucksack will be lighter too.
When trekking, as in the high mountains, the rule is ‘less is more’.
Footwear:
we recommend high trekking boots that protect the ankles and are breathable and waterproof.
Socks:
just as important as boots are socks, which must be breathable to keep feet dry and thermally insulated.
In winter, you will need thermal underwear, while in summer we recommend long trousers or, for those who suffer particularly from the heat, trousers with zips so that you can wear shorts in urban areas and long trousers on the trails.
The upper body must be comfortable and cool. In winter, in addition to thermal underwear, I recommend a breathable jumper, a jacket and a shell (which will be useful in case of rain and/or wind in both winter and summer).
What you mustn't forget to pack in your rucksack
- water (thermos flask to be filled as needed) and food supplies
- change of clothes (socks and a light towel are a must!)
- lighter
- torch
- our guide
- sun cream/insect repellent
- first aid kit
- sleeping bag/bed bag or blanket
- map
How do you pack your rucksack?
Equipment should be arranged according to weight, optimising space.
All items useful for the journey, such as the map, water, GPS and first aid kit, should be kept within easy reach.
What clothes should you put in your rucksack for a long walk?
When you set out on a walk, clothing is of fundamental importance. Without the right clothing, a simple trek could turn into a nasty adventure.
Physical preparation for tackling the Camino
Like any hike, the Cammino Retico requires physical preparation to help you tackle the distances and varied terrain.
We recommend starting with gradual preparation, tailored to your age and physical fitness. We advise you to plan your trip and consider the best time of year to tackle the trail so that you can pack your rucksack carefully:
1. Set a schedule.
Careful consideration should be given to choosing the best time of year to undertake the trail.
In winter, the paths freeze, and at high altitudes, you will often find snow and cold temperatures, but the effort and cold are rewarded by priceless views and panoramas.
Spring sees the reawakening of nature, and the thaw brings longer days with cold sunrises and sunsets but exceptional colours.
Summer is the busiest time on the trails and roads, when not only travellers but also hikers take advantage of the warm weather to breathe fresh air and enjoy unspoilt areas.
Autumn is a riot of colour, with days still offering pleasant temperatures and often clear weather. Choose your timing. The second thing to decide is how many days you want to devote to the Cammino Retico. The route was originally designed to be completed in seven days, but considering the elevation gain and distances involved, we invite you to plan your route calmly, allowing yourself to be carried away by the history, beauty and art of these still little-known areas. In our guide, you will find numerous suggestions for visits to museums, villages and historic buildings that are well worth seeing.
3. Train yourself.
The trails have always been challenging, and we recommend good physical preparation before departure, alternating between two pairs of hiking boots so that you can give your feet a rest after hours of walking.
4. Pack your rucksack wisely. Your rucksack will be your best friend on this adventure, so start off on the right foot without overloading yourself. Only take useful items, but for more details, please refer to our chapter on “clothing/equipment”. May the spirit of adventure be with you!
The nature, the villages you will see, the scents and flavours you will experience will certainly be different from what you are used to… don’t be alarmed, as the saying goes, ‘in the mountains, taste gains’, and that’s exactly how it is… you will fall in love with these views, these colours and this fabulous adventure!
in a tent
For those who love adventure and want to try camping, here are some tips:
YOU ARE ALLOWED TO:
- Camp freely from sunset to sunrise in the mountains and in areas recommended by the organisation, provided you have the necessary credentials.
NOT PERMITTED:
- Lighting fires, leaving rubbish behind, camping on private land, picking chestnuts and fruit on private property.
- Some farmhouses, if you dine there, offer special areas for camping (details in the printed guide).
Walking with your dog
For those who love adventure and want to
It is possible to walk the trail with your dog, but bear in mind that the route is quite challenging and dogs can suffer, especially in the mountainous section where the rocks can damage their paw pads.
The organisation advises against taking your dog unless they are already used to covering such distances and gradients, especially in the summer months.
Dogs are accepted in most establishments, but it is always advisable to specify that you will be bringing a dog when booking.
If you decide to try this experience in a tent, here are some tips:
YOU ARE ALLOWED TO:
- Camp freely from sunset to sunrise in the mountains and in the areas recommended by the organisation, provided you have the necessary credentials.
NOT PERMITTED:
- Lighting fires, leaving rubbish behind, camping on private land, picking chestnuts and fruit on private property.
- Some farmhouses, if you dine there, offer special areas for camping (details in the printed guide).
Frequently asked questions
Would you like to organise the Cammino Retico?
Here are the answers to all your questions. Please read everything carefully.
What are the stopping points?
Starting this year, a single GPX track will be provided, allowing each traveller to plan their own route. However, we recommend the following:
- Pedavena Birreria Pedavena (Start Point)
- Croce d’Aune/Aune/Sovramonte
- Lamon (Start Point)
- Arsiè/Lago di Corlo (two Start Points)
- Seren del Grappa
- Mugnai (Feltre)
Who is the Cammino Retico dedicated to?
The Cammino Retico route is dedicated to enthusiasts of slow tourism away from the main roads who are in good physical shape, as the 73 km require a good level of fitness.
What type of terrain is encountered along the route?
About 20% of the route runs along secondary asphalt roads and the rest is divided between dirt roads, trails and cycle paths in a purely mountainous environment.
Is the route suitable for everyone? Is it suitable for families?
The route includes sections classified as hiking, both physically and technically, and is suitable for those who are already trained and accustomed to covering several kilometres. Not suitable for families who are not very fit.
What kind of equipment is needed to complete the route?
Given the type of route, good hiking boots and technical mid-mountain clothing are recommended, always bearing in mind that temperature changes are likely, especially in spring and autumn and after summer storms.
Are there water sources along the route?
The guidebook explains how to manage your personal water supply. For some stages, it is preferable to set off with a supply. It would be useful to download the “fontanelle d’Italia” app, which is very useful for locating nearby water sources. What are the best times of year to tackle the route? Careful consideration should be given to the choice of time of year in which to undertake the route.
We do not recommend winter because there is a risk of finding icy roads and paths, and at high altitudes there is often snow and freezing temperatures. However, for the brave who want to tackle it anyway, the effort and cold will be rewarded with priceless views and panoramas.
Spring sees the reawakening of nature, with the thaw bringing longer days with cold sunrises and sunsets but exceptional colours. At the beginning of spring, some paths may be a little damaged by winter rainfall.
Summer is the busiest time on the trails and roads, when not only travellers but also hikers take advantage of the warm weather to breathe fresh air and enjoy unspoilt areas.
Autumn is a riot of colour, with days still enjoying pleasant temperatures and often clear skies.
The recommended period for walking the trail is generally from the beginning of March to the end of October, barring extreme adverse weather conditions.
How many stages are there on the trail?
The trail runs through foothills and mountains with some short but challenging climbs, so we recommend being in good physical shape before setting off, especially considering that, in addition to your own weight, you will be carrying a rucksack with everything you need for the days on the trail.
The Way was designed as a 4/5-day route, taking into account the elevation gain and the distances to be covered each day, so as not to be too tiring. Certainly, well-trained travellers will be able to complete the route in five or six days, but we invite you to plan your route calmly, letting yourself be carried away by the history, beauty and art of these still little-known areas. Furthermore, to validate your credential, remember to get a stamp for each stage or at one of the affiliated establishments.
How can I obtain the GPX tracks?
By registering for the walk, you will receive the unique 73 km GPX track.
Can I stay with my dog?
Dogs are accepted by some establishments, but it is always advisable to specify the presence of a dog when booking.
In addition, please be careful not to let your dog run free during the walk, as there is a possibility of encountering wild animals.
If an accommodation or sponsor is ‘affiliated,’ does that mean I will receive a discount on the service offered when I present my credential?
No business is obligated to offer discounts on their prices, but you can always ask, announcing that you are arriving as a pilgrim. Any offer will be handled upon presentation of your credential.
Can I walk the route on non-consecutive days?
Of course, the Cammino Retico can be walked however you like. To obtain the certificate of completion, you will need to have the entire route stamped.
Why is it important to have at least one stamp for each stage with the date on your credential?
Having at least one stamp with the date written on each stage allows you to have a final record and chronology as a souvenir of your journey.
If I have problems along the way, who can I turn to?
It depends on what the problems are.
For problems concerning the route, you can send a text message on WhatsApp +39 345 897 2734 (Francesco).
Can the Cammino Retico be travelled with a tent?
If you are thinking of travelling the Cammino Retico with a tent, you are on the right track for an unforgettable adventure! There are some areas equipped with campsites where you can stay overnight (Arsié and Aune).
But be careful: if you want to camp freely in nature, make sure you follow the regulations of the areas you are passing through. It is essential to respect nature and wildlife to ensure that everyone can enjoy these wonderful places. It is also important to bear in mind that the Carpe Diem Association and the Cammino Retico cannot be held responsible for any problems or penalties that may arise during your trip. So, prepare well, respect the environment and have a good trip! *** Final advice: it is advisable to travel with a small amount of cash for various emergencies. In larger towns, you will be able to withdraw cash from banks or post offices, and you will find shops, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. We recommend that you use the affiliated facilities, as we have verified them.
Public transport: Dolomitibus and Trentino Trasporti. For taxis or other exceptional transport needs (not medical emergencies), please contact +39 345 897 2734 via WhatsApp with a text message.
The Cammino Retico Southern has a dedicated section on the website, with credentials, a guide and GPX files dedicated to and separate from this route.