From the village of Vignui, enter the Val di San Martino (CAI signpost 803). The first stop is at the ancient church of San Martino in Valle.
After passing the church, the trail continues gently uphill, getting close to the Stien stream (a tributary of the Caorame) several times until reaching the small parking area where the road is closed to motor traffic. (Generally, in the few available spaces, the rare hikers heading towards the steep climbs to the Vette di Feltre park their vehicles).
From here, you enter the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park.
Continuing further, you will cross the most interesting natural spots; the valley becomes a kind of gorge with rocky walls on either side, and shortly after, there is the beautiful open cabin chapel entirely made of wood, built by the alpine soldiers. An extraordinary place of silence for meditation, a church that is first of all a shelter, a roof, but with this intact corner of nature for walls.
Further ahead, there is a large, beautiful, perfectly restored calchera, the place is aptly named Fornace.
The calcheras, especially those from the Val Canzoi and the valley of San Martin, were used for the production of quicklime. In this tank made of dry-laid stones, a true masterpiece of building art, the dolomite stones were baked at high temperatures for about a week.
Surface: 20% asphalt, 80% unpaved
USEFUL INFORMATION:
- Departure: Vignui (501 m)
- Arrival: calchera at the start of the CAI 812 trail (691 m)
- Difficulty: MC/TC
- Length: 8 km
- Elevation gain: 190 m
- Minimum altitude: 501 m
- Maximum altitude: 691 m
- Trail markers: CAI 803 markers, thematic itinerary signs of the Chiesette Pedemontane Park
- Itinerary type: Cycling routes
You find yourself in a natural environment that demands respect:
- Prohibition of flower picking
- Prohibition of swimming
- No loud noises
- Prohibition of lighting fires
- Do not leave rubbish lying around, but dispose of it in the appropriate spaces (including cigarette butts, tissues, masks, and wet waste)
- Minors must be accompanied
- Dogs must be kept on a leash and their waste collected
- Stay on the path
- Do not disturb local wildlife
It is advisable to check the ARPAV website for any disturbances before embarking on the route.
