Organization:
The Templar Trail is walked independently.
You can download the guide, request the GPS tracks, study the information available on these pages, contact the accommodations, and start your journey.
Tra Montana Guide dell’Appennino provides its hiking guides to accompany you. For more information and reservations, you can contact us here.
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Seasons:
The Templar Trail can be walked all year round. The elevations are never too high, with a maximum of 1,100 meters above sea level, so it is possible to hike even in winter (perhaps carrying a pair of snowshoes as a precaution).
Trail maintenance is carried out in spring, so if there is heavy snowfall in winter, fallen trees may partially block the paths. In summer, it can be hot, especially during extreme heat waves affecting Italy, but only during the central hours of the day. The area is well-ventilated and shaded.
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How to reach the starting point:
The official starting point of the Templar Trail is in Gubbio (PG), which can be reached by car or bus from major Umbrian cities. You can also take a train to Fossato di Vico station and then a bus to Gubbio. Bus schedules are available on FsBusItalia, and train schedules on Trenitalia.
The trail can also be started from one of the five stage towns, such as Costacciaro. This is fine, but to receive the completion certificate, the entire loop must be walked, always finishing in the starting town.
All the towns along the trail are accessible by car and bus, though with limited service frequencies.
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Orientation:
The Templar Trail is fully marked with red-and-white signs and metal plates bearing the trail’s logo. However, it is essential to carry a map and, if desired, GPS tracks, which can be downloaded for free. All marking and maintenance work is done by volunteers. In case of snowfall, orientation can become more difficult, and the signs may not be visible.
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Walking direction:
The Templar Trail is designed to be walked counterclockwise. Those walking clockwise should be more attentive, especially at intersections, to avoid losing the trail. In this case, we strongly recommend using GPS tracks.
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Map and guide:
Regularly updated versions can be downloaded from this section of the website.
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Stage lengths (Can two stages be combined?):
The route has been designed with ideal stage lengths to fully enjoy the walk. The distances may seem short compared to other trails on easier terrain (e.g., Santiago, Francigena), but do not underestimate them by combining stages, as distance alone does not reflect the difficulty. The trail is not a race; it should be experienced at a slow pace, in the moment, without worrying about darkness or exhaustion.
Luggage and passenger transport:
Due to the limited availability of public transport between stages, we have arranged for local residents to assist with transport. For details, please contact us.
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Where to sleep:
A list of accommodations along the trail can be found on this page.
The accommodations included in the network have signed a commitment to offer good quality-to-price ratios for hikers.
Other accommodations exist in the area, but those not listed have either not joined the network or do not meet the necessary criteria.
Reservations should be made well in advance, especially during peak season.
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Camping:
In Monte Cucco Park, bivouacking is allowed from sunset to sunrise. On the Pian delle Macinare plateau, which is a strict nature reserve, bivouacking is permitted only with our "Lettera di Cambio" credential or by contacting the Università degli Uomini Originari di Costacciaro at this link.
RULES FOR CAMPING:
Since many people camp, especially in summer, we ask that you use designated camping areas, agri-campsites, or similar facilities, which provide toilets and ensure hygiene for a small fee.
Camping outside designated areas is allowed, but tents should be pitched in suitable locations (not in towns but at least 500 meters away from houses). It is mandatory to leave no waste (including tissues) and always bury human waste.
A small shovel must be carried for this purpose.
The most structured camping areas are listed on the Accommodation page.
For wild camping, bring water containers if far from a water source. Always leave the area completely clean—hikers should have a minimal impact. Leave no trace—thank you!
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Water:
Water is available in towns, fountains, and taps, and is potable unless otherwise indicated.
In case of need, residents may be asked for water.
Shops, bars, and restaurants:
There are a few, but each town along the Templar Trail has at least one.
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ATMs:
These are available in larger towns, but many small, family-run establishments do not accept cards due to a lack of internet connectivity. It is highly recommended to carry cash.
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The "Lettera di Cambio" (Credential):
You can collect the Lettera di Cambio at the starting point to be recognized along the trail. However, it is not mandatory, does not provide discounts, and is purely symbolic. The trail can be completed without it.
It can be requested by:
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Contacting us via this website
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Visiting the Gubbio IAT Tourist Office
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Staying at hostels in Costacciaro
Stamps can be collected at official trail accommodations and also at municipalities, pro loco offices, bars, and restaurants.
By collecting stamps, you can receive a completion certificate by contacting us and covering only the shipping costs.
Organized groups:
Tra Montana Guide dell’Appennino provides professional hiking guides to accompany groups along the entire trail. We also organize guided tours throughout the year.
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Collaboration and support:
The Templar Trail is maintained by a small group of volunteers who work hard each year to clear the trails, which become overgrown with brambles, grass, and shrubs, and to repaint the trail markers—covering all expenses themselves (paint, brushes, fuel, tools, etc.).
We encourage everyone to help by keeping the trails clean and picking up any litter. Thank you!
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Hiking with dogs:
In Monte Cucco Park, dogs must be kept on a leash, as in all natural parks, to protect wildlife.
Most accommodations welcome dogs, but arrangements should be made in advance, and dogs must be well-behaved and clean.
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Recommended equipment:
Special attention should be given to clothing, footwear, and all necessary gear (backpack, food, water, etc.). Preparation should be tailored to the season in which the trail is being walked.
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Use of the Templar Trail logo is prohibited without authorization.