Grottascura and Enchanted Stones – full day

Description

For this appointment our two wheels will take us along the paths of the R.N.O. Rossomanno – Grottascura – Bellia, one of the largest green lungs of the Erei Mountains.

We will start from Valguarnera Caropepe crossing the alleys of the historic center and following the old provincial road to Aidone, we will enter the Reserve along the paths that enter the valleys where the Gornalunga stream is born. Among the ruins of ancient mills and strips of ancient oak groves we will enter the Grottascura Valley where we will begin our ascent towards the Màrcato Grottascura and the cave of the same name.

After the lunch break, a fun and smooth stretch on a sandy path will begin that will take us to one of the most curious geological evidences that the reserve hosts, “the Enchanted Stones or Pupi Ballerini”: curious natural formations of calcarenite up to 3 meters high. which, due to their shape, have fueled local legends that see them as people petrified by some arcane spell.

From the enchanted stones we will then pedal towards the Trovato necropolis, inside the archaeological area of ​​Rossomanno, to finally return to the starting point.

Upon our return to Valguarnera we will visit the “Casa Museo”, a place where time seems to have stopped and which, through the history of a family and the succession of generations, will give us the opportunity to travel through time to observe the change in Valguarnera society from the early 1800s to the present day.

Information:

• Circular route length 34 km alternating stretches on dirt and asphalt.
• Medium difficulty
• Departure/arrival altitude 603m.
• Min altitude 359m.
• Max altitude 868m.
• Difference in altitude +/- 1049m.
• Recommended equipment: trainers, bandana, sunglasses, water, packed lunch, layered clothing.

Experiences:

• Departure Caseificio D’angelo/Zafferano
• Arrival Casa Museo/aperitif in the garden