Round trip from Termoli
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Nick Carthew - (MRA Master)
Last edit: 23-12-2020
Route Summary
This route travels in a loop through the fertile plains and foothills of the Central Apennines Mountain range. The landscape is rural, the roads are twisty and the scenery is beautiful.
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Verdict
Duration
3h 25m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
168.51 km
Countries
RP 7. Roman Amphitheater.
RouteXpert Review
This is a nice round trip route that takes about 4 hrs with a lunch stop. It travels around the sparsely populated region of Molise. One of Italy’s most rural regions, Molise is unique in showing virtually no change in population during the first century of existence of the Italian state; from 1861 to 1961 its population increased approximately 1 percent, mainly because the growth rate was offset by constant emigration, mostly to other regions within Italy. Wheat and potatoes are the principal crops, and livestock raising (pigs, sheep, goats, cattle) is extensive. Industrial development is slight, though there are small plants associated with the food and garment industries. This route has two halves, the first half leading to the planned lunch stop at RP 23 follows mainly rural twisty roads passing through some small towns and villages. At RP 7 in the town of Larino, the route passes directly next to a Roman amphitheater giving you a good view on the left. There are other historic sites in Larino including Roman mosaics if you wanted to stop a while for a visit.
You are in the foothills of the Central Apennines mountains now and the roads climb and fall as they twist and turn through the beautiful rural landscape. A lot of the hillsides have been ploughed and cultivated for crops giving this area a slightly strange look compared to the normal grass or forested hillsides. The highest point of the route is at RP 15, the Valico di Cerro Secco at 820 m. You'll have nice views all the way to the lunch stop now catching the occasional glimpse of the Occhito Reservoir in the distance to your left. The reservoir is 12 kms long and forms a border with the neighbouring region of Puglia.
You have a choice of a nice restaurant or pizzeria for lunch at RP 23 or just a coffee. There is fuel here too if required.
After lunch you will head for the regions capital city, Campobasso on somewhat straighter and faster roads. This route avoids the city but if you follow the signs for the city centre after RP 24 you can visit some of the many historic sites including a magnificent castle. I have added a POI for the castle Castello Monforte. The city is renowned for the craftsmanship of blades, a fact well documented since the 14th century. The hillside village of Ripalimosani with it's prominent church tower can be seen at RP 25 before joining the the state road SS647 "Fondo Valle del Biferno" it is the arterial route connecting Campobasso to the Adriatic coast and is commonly called Bifernina. It follows the river Biferno crisscrossing it countless times as it makes its way through valleys all the way to Termoli. There is a spectacular section near the ancient town of Guardialfiera. Here, the valley was dammed in the 70s and two long elevated sections (viaducts) were created to pass through the flooded valley. The Liscione Dam can be seen holding back the water at RP 30 and 20 mins later and you will arrive back at the start.
I have awarded 3*** stars for this route. The roads, scenery and attractions are all good and worthy of 3***.
RP 15. Valico di Cerro Secco. 820 m. Highest point of the route.
RP 29. Elevated roadway.
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.