Via Appia/Appia Way - Stage 11 - Lago di Serra del Corvo to Palazzo San Gervasio

This is the eleventh stage of the Via Appia by foot, from the lake Serra del Corvo to the town of Palazzo San Gervasio.

Link to Stage 10: http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=15628116
Link to Stage 12: http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=15707440

In general, the track follows the Via Appia Antica loosely as it's usually not possible to hike the original route anymore. In large part because the old road has 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 where possible.

As mentioned in the description of stage 10, from Gravina, the Via Appia doesn't pass through any towns until Palazzo San Gervasio, which is around 50 km from Gravina and too far for a day hike. Therefore, this stage of the Via Appia starts at an old farm which you may have used for stealth camping.

As included in stage 10, just outside the farm, there is a spring (see waypoint) which you way to use to fill up your waterbottle. I would recommend to treat the water before drinking, but at least you have a chance to get some water at the start of the hike.

This stage is rather simple, virtualy the whole track is a strait line, following Strada Provinciale 79, which is the old Via Appia. I searched for some alternatives with a bit more variation, but none of these tracks provided a good track, so this might be a day you may want to listen to some music and make the kilometers with some distraction. As a larger road runs in parallel to this road, there is virtually no traffic on this road, so hiking will be quite safe.

Just before your odometer is showing 18 km, you'll pass by the "Centro Sportivo Dinamic" (http://www.centrosportivodinamic.it/ ) on the right side of the road. It has a public swimming pool, a restaurant and some other facilities. This might be good point for a stop, but the town is all ready nearby.

1 kilometer later, you'll pass by Fontana del Fico where you could fill your bottles. Like before, I'm not sure if you can drink the water untreated. I recommend treating the water if in doubt.

From the fountain, you'll follow the road towards town and up the steps to the church of St. Nicolas. From here, you can follow the road further in western direction to discover the rest of Palazzo San Gervasio.

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.