Via Appia/Appia Way - Stage 10 - Gravina in Puglia to Lago di Serra del Corvo.

This is the tenth stage of the Via Appia by foot, from the town of Gravina in Puglia to the lake Serra del Corvo.

Link to Stage 9: http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=15571214

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), while trying to stay true to the original road.

From Gravina, the Via Appia doesn't pass through any towns until Palazzo San Gervasio, which is around 50 km away, which is too far for a day hike. I've searched for some alternatives, but there are simply no towns 25 to 30 km away from Gravina in the direction of the Via Appia. Therefore this stage of the Via Appia ends "in the middle of nowhere", an old farm which could provide you will some cover for stealth camping.

The hike starts at the bus stop where the last stage ended. The first part goes through the modern town and after 1.3 km, you'll cross an old aqueduct and bridge over the gorge.

After leaving town, you'll have a nice view over the gorge towards the old town and you'll a number of cave houses, similar to those in Matera.

When you are well out of town, you cross under train tracks and walk parallel to the main road and those train tracks for a while. When your odometer reached almost 7 km, you leave the main road and the train track behind you and start with a climb into the hills. After a steeper climb for around 1 km, gaining around 100 meters, the next 4 kilometers will be less steep up and down.

Just after your odometer reaches 12 km, you've reached the highest point of the day and next 10 kilometers will be most downhill or flat.

At around 14 km (see waypoint), you'll pass by some ruins and an spring. I would recommend to treat the water before drinking, just to be safe.

When your odometer reaches 18 km, you get to the lake Serra del Corvo. After crossing the 1 km dam, you briefly leave the road to walk along the lake for another kilometer.

At odometer 20, you are back on the road which you will leave after 1.5km, to pass under the main road towards the end of this stage.

During the last 3 km you'll need to ascent around 100 meter to reach the end.

Just before getting to the stealth camping location, you'll pass by a spring (see waypoint). Again, I would recommend to treat the water before drinking, but at least you have a chance to get some water before reaching the camping site.

At the camping site, there are a number of old buildings, some with a roof and some without. Depending on your preference, you should be able to find a nice spot out of the wind and sight for a quiet night. If you use the camping site, make sure to leave it as you found it.

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.