Via Appia/Appia Way - Stage 09 - Matera to Gravina in Puglia

This is the ninth stage of the Via Appia by foot, from the town of Matera of the town of Gravina in Puglia.

Link to Stage 08: http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=15580884
Link to Stage 10: http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=15628116

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, the Via Appia didn't pass through Matera, but as it's such a well know and old town, it would be too bad to skip it. Also, the distance from Laterza to Gravina would be too long to be done in one day. So, this section of the track is not following much of the original Via Appia until you are already in Gravina.

The stage starts at the Bus and Train Station on the outskirts of Matera. In less than 2 kms, you'll be out of town. In case you are walking on Saturday, you may pass through a market just before leaving town.

When your odometer reaches 3.3 km, you leave the road and follow a gravel road through the open fields.

As you walk, you'll see a hill ahead which you'll need to pass. The climb starts around when you reach 7.5 km and will last for around 1 km. If it has been raining recently, you can expect some mud at this part of the hike.

Once you pass over the hill, the dirt road becomes a gravel road and soon after turns into a asphalted road when your odometer reaches 9.5 km.

The next 13 km, you will be following a rather straight asphalted road, which should have too much traffic. It's not the most enjoyable part of the journey, but it seemed impossible to find a nicer road to get to Gravina without adding a large number of additional kilometers to the journey.

The last 2 kilometers will take you through Gravina and the track ends at a Bus Stop from which a bus goes 2 or 3 times a day to Matera. More information on the bus can be found here: https://www.rome2rio.com/it/s/Gravina-in-Puglia/Matera

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.