On 29 September the EU project HIKE concluded its events in Italy along the Via Francigena in Southern Italy, the 900 km stretch of the route connecting Rome with Santa Maria di Leuca.

On 27 – 29 September over 160 participants took place in a 3-day celebration, which included walking, e-biking, various sports and cultural activities, as well as route maintenance and environmental actions. The warm weather allowed participants to enjoy a refreshing swim in the beautiful natural reserve of Torre Guaceto, after visiting the WWF ethical beach reserve that protects turtles and animals in distress. 

The activities, organized by the European Association of the Via Francigena (EAVF) in collaboration with the Puglia Region, partner municipalities, and the Association “Brindisi e le Antiche Strade”, aimed to promote healthy lifestyle and provide tools on how to stay fit thanks to walking along the routes. These events were conducted during the European Week of Sports, an EU-wide event focusing on health and benefits of sports.  

The events saw participation from international partners of the HIKE project – Paths of Greece and Culture Routes Society, coming from Greece and Turkey respectively, where the HIKE project will continue along the Via Egnatia and the Tolerance Way in October and November. 

On 29 September, HIKE collaborated with Plastic Free Brindisi for the Clean Up initiative, collectively cleaning the stretch between Punta del Serrone and Torre Punta Penne and raising awareness about plastic pollution and environmental care.  

On the same day was conducted a workshop focused on safety during the walks, featuring various experts with institutional greetings from the EAVF President Francesco Ferrari and Rosy Barretta, President of Brindisi e le Antiche Strade.  

The workshop provided participants with practical advice on choosing technical equipment by the environmental guide Claudio Focarazzo and Michael Bolognini, founder of the METHOD Wilderness Experience and Garmont ambassador; delved into psycho-physical preparation with Dr. Giampiero Sorace and Monica Fontanive. Travel blogger Anna Pernice shared her experience along the Via Francigena and Antonio Melcore about the hospitality along the route. Adriano Bolognese from the Mollare Mai association reflected on accessibility on the trail. 

For more information about upcoming HIKE events, please visit the HIKE website www.hike-project.eu.

To download photos from the second HIKE weekend, click here.