Via Appia/Appia Way - Stage 07 - Palagianello to Laterza

This is the seventh stage of the Via Appia by foot, from the town of Palagionello of the town of Laterzo.

Link to Stage 06: http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=15220669
Link to Stage 08: http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=15580884

The track follows the Via Appia Antica loosely as it's not possible to hike the original route anymore. In large part because the old road have been upgraded over the centuries and is now a highway in some section or a main provincial road where cars are speeding by you. In other sections, the road is simply gone. Instead, I've searched for nice roads, a little away from any main roads where there is a lot less traffic (or none at all).

As far as I can figure out, for this stage, the track is actually a bit north compared to the original Via Appa. Along the way you pass over 2 gorges (now with bridges) that would have been a big obstacles centuries ago, So the Via Appia would probably have passed closer to Montedoro. But as there are bridges now, both gorges are worth a visit and will not take much effort to pass by.

The stage starts at the Train Station just outside Palagionello. In less than 1 km, you'll be on the old train track through town, pass the old train station and on to the bridge over the first gorge. As you can see, the old train track has been turned into a bicycle and walking track. Unfortunately, it's a very short track as it just would end in the middle of nowhere if you would follow it east.

But simple follow the track west, passing under the A14 and on to the next gorge. During the track, you can very well see that this used to be train track as you pass by some typical train track buildings and the power line poles have not been removed.

When your odometer reaches around 3 km, you almost merge with the new train tracks. But just before you get to the gorge, you'll find that there is a small track to pass under the new train track track to the old bridge over the gorge.

After passing the second gorge, you'll pass under the SS7 and here the nice walking and biking track suddenly ends again. Simply follow the small train tracks next to the (unused) tracks and later the follow a dirt road a little away from the tracks.

When your odometer reaches 4.5 km, make a right turn towards the new train track, pass under them and follow the road to the train station of Castellaneta. The train station is a bit out of town and don't expect any shops or vending machines. It's just your last chance to bail out of hike and take the train back.

After the train station, the track just skims the outskirts of Catellaneta before heading towards Laterza. If you want to buy anything to eat or drink, this will be your last chance for a while. See the nearby way point for a coffee bar.

After leaving Casellaneta, you'll dip through a valley, leaving the asphalted road for a while on the way up. When you get back to the asphalt (odometer 8.8 km), you'll be back on the Via Appia, according to some signs you'll see later.

When your odometer reaches 13km, the track will make a left turn where you'll leave the Via Appa. Instead, you'll follow a nice track towards Laterza.

When your odometer reaches 17.5 km, you'll cross a park and enter an area with bushes, following small track. There are many other tracks, but not all go in the same direction, so you may need to keep an eye on the GPS a bit more than on the rest of the trail.

Just before your odometer reaches 20 km, you'll leave the forest/bushes and come into the outskirts of Laterza.

At odometer 20km, you'll reach the last bridge over a gorge. At the time of writing, the bridge was closed for traffic, but open for pedestrians.

The last part of the trail brings you to the modern centre of town. The historical centre can easily be found when going 300 meter in south-east direction from the end of the trail.

Unlike the first 6 stages of this trail, Laterza doesn't have a train station. The only way to get back to the starting point is bus, taxi or hitchhiking.

As indicated by the waypoints, there are 2 nearby bus stops that take you in the direction of Taranto or in the direction of Matera, as you prefer. But do note that the bus doesn't go as frequent as the train, especially not in the weekend.

Enjoy the trail end leave a comment. In particular if you know some interesting way points should be included or an alternate track that could/should be used. Any information is much appreciated.