From the top of the world. The Pizzo di Ovindoli, Abruzzo
On a hot summer weekend, I took my kids out to our place in Ovindoli – in the mountains of Abruzzo, Italy.
An hour and a half away in Rome, it was sweltering, but at 1400 meters/4500 feet from sea level, we could be active all day, without succumbing to heat stroke.
My older son wanted to go out for a long mountain biking session, while my younger son and I decided to climb an easy trail we’ve done many times over the years – the Pizzo di Ovindoli.
This is a super easy trail even for inexperienced hikers, but it’s a pleasant ascent through the forest before emerging on open slopes as you make your way to the cross that overlooks the town.
From there, there are spectacular views over the town – we always pick out our house first, then admire views down to the Fucino far below, and expansive views across the high plain and stretching to the Appenine’s highest peak, the Gran Sasso.
Usually, we take a picnic lunch to sit and admire the views, but this was a morning hike before all meeting up over lunch, so my son and I just sat to admire the views and enjoy our perch at “the top of the world”.
Even if we’ve been up here dozens of times, it’s always a beautiful spot.
Of course, when my kids were little, I used to climb up here with them in my hiking backpack/baby carrier.
I must admit, it became much easier on me once they could hike up on their own two feet … probably why both sons got such an early start hiking. My back couldn’t take it any longer. : )
If you’re in the area and looking for other hikes, take a look at my earlier post for the more challenging hike down to the Gole di Celano/Celano Canyons.
See you out on the hiking trails!