Walking
The Outlaws' Path can be completed in seven days. It is a medium-altitude trail (between 800 and 1,300 metres above sea level) that follows in the footsteps of brigands between Val de Varri, Valle del Salto and the slopes of Monte Velino. Departure and arrival are from Sante Marie, near Tagliacozzo (AQ).
Marsica and Cicolano are lands of forests, mountains and stories of brigands. In particular, the territory crossed by this route is a border area, today between Abruzzo and Lazio, yesterday between the Papal States and the Bourbon Kingdom. The brigands lived on the border so they could move from one side to the other depending on the threat. The brigands were not criminals, they were more like partisans, fighting against the invasion of the Savoy, who had forced the people to join the army. They were free spirits who did not want to submit to the new masters, and for this reason they went underground. It was a story of kidnappings, ransoms and much violence. A story from 150 years ago.
Today, the experience of ancient travellers is being revived, based on travelling on foot from village to village along this 7-day route, which is easily accessible, marked and equipped with stopping places. On this website, you will find all the information you need to walk the Outlaws' Path alone or in company. Of course, the trail can also be covered in stages, one stage at a time. You can stay in small family-run establishments, but you can also experience the adventure of travelling by tent.
Tools for travelling the route
The following tools are currently available to help you travel the route: the guidebook, the map and the special issue of Meridiani Cammini.
- The guidebook (sixth edition updated in June 2024): this is the most important tool, containing everything you need to know, including small maps of the individual stages.
- The official map.
For further information
Meridiani Cammini special edition on the Briganti trail, July 2020. It includes a map and lots of additional information. Request it from the publisher Domus or buy it online.