Cammino Retico Southern
The Cammino Retico Southern stretches for about 70 km, offering breathtaking views and a unique experience of connection with nature. It passes through historic villages, flower-filled meadows and alpine pastures, skirting the River Piave and allowing walkers to explore not only the landscape but also the cultural heritage of the local communities. Each stage of the walk is an opportunity to savour traditional cuisine, take part in local festivals and learn about the stories of the inhabitants.
69 km
2.480 d+
start point
Setteville
- Quero BreweryVia Feltre 23, 32038 Quero BL – Telephone: 0439 788460
- Molin Restaurant and PizzeriaPiazza dei Martiri, 13, 32031 Alano di Piave BL – 0439 779129 – www.ristorantepizzeriaalmolin.it
Castelcucco
- Castelcucco PharmacyDr. Abatianni Francesco & C. Sas – Viale Trento E Trieste, 54, 31030 Castelcucco TV – Telephone: 366 982 0785
- Hotel MontegrappaViale Monte Grappa, 8, 31030 Castelcucco TV – Telephone: 0423 563123
CREDENTIALS AND COMPANIONS
Traveller’s pack €25
- GPX tracks
- Online guide
- Credential (serial number)
- Transparent envelope (credential holder)
- Gadget
- Temporary insurance
Guide service
Those interested in having the mid-mountain escort 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.
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
- sunscreen/insect repellent
- first aid kit
- sleeping bag/bed bag or blanket
- map
How should 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 journey?
When embarking on a journey, 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 training, tailored to your age and physical fitness.
We advise you to plan your trip and consider the best time of year to undertake the hike so that you can pack your rucksack carefully:
1. Set a schedule.
Careful consideration should be given to the choice of period in which to undertake the walk.
Winter freezes the paths, and snow and cold temperatures are often found at high altitudes, but the effort and cold are rewarded by priceless views and panoramas.
Spring sees the awakening 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 skies.
2. 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 ideas 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”.
5. 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 improves’, 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:
ALLOWED:
- Free camping 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
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 rocks can damage their paw pads.
The organisation advises against taking your dog unless they are already used to walking 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 making your booking.
Frequently asked questions
Would you like to organise the Southern Rhaetian Way? Here are the answers to many of your questions. Please read everything carefully.
What are the stopping points?
A single GPX track will be provided. Each traveller will be free to plan their route as they wish, but we recommend:
- Quero ‘Birreria di Quero’ (starting point)
- Alano di Piave ‘Pizzeria Molin’ (starting point)
- Castelcucco ‘Farmacia Di Castelcucco Del Dr. Abatianni Francesco & C.’ (starting point)
- Castelcucco ‘Hotel Montegrappa’ (starting point)
- Onigo/Covolo
Who is the Cammino Retico for?
The Southern Rhaetian Way route is dedicated to lovers of slow tourism away from the main roads who are in good physical shape: a total of 68.8 km, 2,510 m of elevation gain and 2,520 m of elevation loss require good physical preparation.
What type of terrain is encountered along the route?
About 30% of the route runs on secondary asphalt roads and the rest is divided between dirt roads, paths and tracks in a mainly flat and pre-Alpine environment.
Is the route suitable for everyone? Is it suitable for families?
The route has some sections classified as “hiking”, both physically and technically, and is suitable for those who are already trained and accustomed to walking several kilometres. Not suitable for families who are not very fit.
What type of equipment is required?
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 at high altitudes, in spring and autumn and after summer storms. In the summer months, especially in the plains, high temperatures are possible in the middle of the day.
Are there water sources along the route?
When you purchase the starter kit, the guide will specify how to manage your personal water supply. For some stages, it is advisable to set off with a supply.
It is advisable to download the “Fontanelle d’Italia” app to your mobile phone, which is very useful for locating nearby water sources.
When is the best time to do the walk?
Careful consideration should be given to the choice of when to undertake the walk.
We do not recommend the snowy winter, especially the northern part of the route, as there is a risk of icy roads and paths and cold temperatures in the few high-altitude areas. However, for the brave who want to tackle it anyway, the effort and cold will be rewarded with priceless views and panoramas.
Late winter and spring see 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 end of February to mid/late November, although it is sometimes possible to extend this period, barring extreme adverse weather conditions.
How many stages are there on the Cammino Retico Southern?
The trail runs through foothills and plains 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 you are on the trail.
The Cammino Retico Southern was designed as a 3/4-day route, taking into account the elevation gain and the distances to be covered each day, so as not to be too tiring. well-trained travellers will be able to complete the route in two days, but we invite you to plan the route calmly, letting yourself be carried away by the history, beauty and art of these still little-known territories. 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 68.8 km GPX track.
Can I stay with my dog?
Dogs are accepted by some establishments, but it is always advisable to specify that you have a dog when booking.
In addition, please be careful not to let your dog run free during the walk, as it may encounter wild animals or cause obstruction and danger along paved roads.
If an accommodation or sponsor is “affiliated”, does that mean I will receive a discount on the service offered to me upon presentation of my credential?
No business is obliged to offer discounts on their prices, but you can always ask, announcing that you are arriving as a pilgrim. Any offer will be managed upon presentation of your credential. Evaluate the prices and look elsewhere if necessary.
Can I do the walk on non-consecutive days?
Of course, the Cammino Retico Southern can be walked as you see fit. However, in order to obtain the final certificate of completion, you will need to have your walk verified by having it stamped at the starting point where you began.
Why is it important to have at least one stamp with the date on your credential for each stage?
Having at least one stamp with the date on each stage allows you to have final proof and a record of your journey as a souvenir.
If I have problems along the way, who can I contact?
It depends on the problem.
For problems concerning the route, you can send a text message to the creator of the Cammino Retico Project on WhatsApp +39 345 897 2734 (Francesco).
Will there be a luggage transport service from stage to stage?
This is currently being evaluated. For this service, please write to info@camminoretico.it (Francesco) and request information about the possible service.
Can the Cammino Retico Southern be travelled with a tent?
If you are thinking of walking the Cammino Retico Southern with a tent, you are on the right track for an unforgettable adventure! There are no equipped camping areas where you can stay overnight.
Please note: 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 enjoy your walk!
Final tips: it is advisable to travel with some cash (not too much) for various emergencies. In the larger towns you pass through, you will find banks and post offices where you can withdraw cash, as well as shops, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. We recommend using the affiliated facilities as we have checked them ourselves.
Public transport (links open in new windows):
- Dolomitibus (coach)
- MOM | Mobilità di Marca (buses)
- Trenitalia (trains)
For taxis or other exceptional transport needs (non-medical emergencies), please contact +39 345 897 2734 via WhatsApp with a text message (Francesco) for information and contact details.
For more serious emergencies, please contact 118 OR 112
Quero
- Start Point: Birrificio di Quero, Via Feltre, 23, 32038 Quero BL – Telephone: 0439 788460
Alano di Piave
- Starting point: Ristorante Pizzeria Molin – Piazza dei Martiri, 13, 32031 Alano di Piave BL – 0439 779129 – www.ristorantepizzeriaalmolin.it
Castelcucco
- Starting point: Farmacia Di Castelcucco Del Dr. Abatianni Francesco & C. Sas – Viale Trento E Trieste, 54, 31030 Castelcucco TV – Telephone: 366 982 0785
- Start Point: Hotel Montegrappa – Viale Monte Grappa, 8, 31030 Castelcucco TV – Telephone: 0423 563123