Medium-length stage with a medium height difference, characterized by the long initial descent to Stupizza.
There are several very suggestive parts on this track, first of all, the crossing of the magnificent and clear Natisone river.
The descent from the Pelizzo mountain hut has some exposed but equipped sections and therefore a firm step is required: to be done only if in optimal conditions.
Signs are often scarce and it is therefore easy to get lost: keep an eye on the GPS.
Risk of ticks.
We travel a stretch halfway up to the mountain pastures of Marsinska Planina. From there, we begin the long descent (1.200 m drop) towards the Natisone river. In Bardo, a small church is an ideal place for a break, as it offers us a beautiful view. In the final stretch, the descent is complicated by some slippery and exposed stretches equipped with some rope. We arrive in the town of Stupizza. Here we cross the wonderful Natisone river and its therapeutic waters.
Beyond the river, we begin the 600 m height difference climb on the opposite side, up to the semi-deserted village of Montefosca. If you are lucky, you may also meet Mrs. Maria, who will offer you a coffee in her old and now abandoned bar. After a final uphill stretch, we cross the mountain, and in gentle ups and downs on a comfortable path, we lose altitude with a drop of approx. 400 m.
Once we reach the bottom of the Rio Legrada, we cross the small stream, go up, and promptly arrive in Prossenicco.
Prossenicco is a small medieval village in the upper Natisone basin.
It is not easy to establish the exact point of the spring of the river and for this reason, the confluence between the Rio Nero and Rio Bianco is considered to be such.
In addition to its emerald green color, the Natisone river is famous for its therapeutic properties. In particular, locals claim that its waters have miraculous effects on the eyes. The river clay is used for dermatitis or for facial masks.
Walking on the Natural Trail towards the hamlet of Platischis, about half an hour on foot from Prossenicco, we find the spectacular Čukula waterfalls, with a jump of over 70 m.
The cozy Osteria Al Centro in Prossenicco continues uninterruptedly to serve excellent Friulian cuisine... since 1901.
At the entrance, you will find a beautiful fogolar, the typical fireplace of the Friulian Slavia, whose fumes are channeled under the seats placed all around.
Ostello Alla Sorgente del Natisone, in Prossenicco. Tel. +39 347 487 0861
Starting point reachable by car.
Departure point NOT reachable by train.
The location that can be reached by the closest bus is Montemaggiore (UD), starting from the city of Udine with a change in San Pietro al Natisone.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Departure point NOT reachable by train.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
