Rediscovering nature: Woods at Christmas returns
A long weekend immersing yourself in nature, perhaps with the whole family. This is the one proposed by the UNPLI (Unione Nazionale Pro Loco d'Italia) Veneto and the Veneto Region, which on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December are organising 'Woods at Christmas'. An event to discover natural areas, parks and oases in one of the most magical periods of the year: winter.
The programme is rich and there is time until 5 December to book (compulsorily) on the UNPLI website (https://www.unpliveneto.it/2023/11/13/programma-boschi-a-natale-2023/). In all seven provinces of the Veneto region, the choice of 'woods' in which to take a walk is truly vast and the objective, in addition to publicising and enhancing an extraordinarily rich heritage and promoting protected natural areas, is to rediscover the beauty and advantages of spending days in the open air. Immersed in nature.
Lakes and woods in the Belluno area, parks and floodplains of the Po River in the Rovigo area, water and hills in the Treviso area, the Venetian lagoon, the Padua hills, Vicenza oases and Veronese panoramas. From the mountains to the plains, the 'Woods at Christmas' walks are dedicated to everyone: for all tastes, for all ages, for lovers of challenges and for those who want to dedicate some time to themselves.
These are the planned hikes:
PROVINCE OF BELLUNO
Limana - Friday 8 December, 9.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.
THE SPLENDID VALPIANA
The excursion will start from Limana. We will drive up (in groups) to Valpiana, from where the walk will begin to discover this semi-flat and sunny pre-alpine area, with excellent views of the Dolomites and Valbelluna.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Limana
Longarone - Friday 8 December, 10 a.m.
GARDONA TOWER, BETWEEN STONE AND WOOD
The Gardona tower, symbol of the new municipality of Longarone, rises above the village of Castellavazzo. From the village we will travel along mule tracks through the woods towards the quarries of the past and the modern quarries, the site of the extraction of Castellavazzo stone. We will continue towards the ancient Gardona Tower, dating back to medieval times. The severe crags, as well as the proximity of the slopes, almost made the settlement of a control and defence structure of the only route, along the Piave river valley, that connected Cadore and Belluno. A characteristic architectural element of the Gardona Tower is its triangular section plan.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Longarone
San Gregorio nelle Alpi - Friday 8 December, 10 a.m.
VAL DEL BRENTAZ, AT THE GATEWAY TO THE PARK OF THE BELLUNO DOLOMITES
The hike will take place in the foothills of the Belluno Dolomites Park, in the Val del Brentaz with its characteristic cadini. From here, unique landscapes can be admired thanks to the municipality's privileged position, a panoramic terrace overlooking the Val Bellluna. On 8 December, the square in Paderno di San Gregorio nelle Alpi will also host the typical Christmas markets.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: medium
Organised by: Pro Loco San Gregorio nelle Alpi
Arsiè - Saturday 9 December, 10 a.m.
RING FORT CIMA LAN
From the Col Perer square, where you will leave your car, you can see the Oratory of Sant'Antonio. Through dirt roads that run alongside pastures and summer residences, with views of the surrounding mountains, you will reach the remains of the Cima Lan Fort, built at the beginning of the 20th century and now a structure now conquered by the forest. Through a ring-route, you will then return to the starting point.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Arsiè
Calalzo di Cadore - sabato 9 dicembre, ore 10.00
IL BORGO DI RIZZIOS E I SUOI BOSCHI
Percorso ad anello alla scoperta dell'abitato del Borgo di Rizzios con tappa per visita alla chiesetta di Sant’Anna. Si proseguirà nel bosco limitrofo tra gli alberi secolari, con tappa alla chiesa di San Leonardo. Al rientro i visitatori saranno accolti da un piacevole rinfresco.
Durata: 2 ore
Difficoltà: media
Organizza: Pro Loco Calalzo di Cadore
Sospirolo - Saturday 9 December, 2 pm
BOSCO SOT LE CRODE DE OREGNE
An itinerary that winds its way from the small ancient village of Oregne to the Cordevole stream, ending at the Ranch di Campaz, accompanied by Mazarol's expert nature guides.
In addition to the variety of the forest under the crode and the splendid views of the mountains near the Cordevole, you can admire the ancient frescoes in the small church of San Tiziano, which can be visited for the occasion, and the beautiful horses at the Campaz Ranch.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Monti del Sole di Sospirolo
Ponte nelle Alpi - Sunday 10 December, 10 a.m.
LA VENA D'ORO PARK
A place in the heart of the FAI, the building and landscape complex is located at a point of particular naturalistic interest. Built around two water springs and bordered by a six-hectare park with majestic century-old trees, it takes its name from the 'Vena d'Oro', a spring known since Roman times. The hydrotherapeutic establishment within it attracted visitors from all over Europe in the 19th century, including Queen Margaret.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Ponte nelle Alpi
PROVINCIA DI PADOVA
Galliera Veneta - venerdì 8 e domenica 10 dicembre, ore 10.00 e ore 14.00
PARCO DI VILLA CAPPELLO
Passeggiata alla scoperta degli 8 ettari del Parco di Villa Cappello (o Villa Imperiale) che comprende un lago, tre isolotti, 11 ponti, una zona d'imbarco e circa 1500 piante, opera dell'architetto e scenografo Francesco Bagnara. La passeggiata si inserisce nelle attività natalizie del fine settimana della locale Pro Loco.
Durata: 1,5 ore
Difficoltà: facile
Organizza: Pro Loco Galliera Veneta
Galzignano Terme – domenica 10 dicembre, ore 14.00
I CASTAGNI SECOLARI DEI COLLI EUGANEI
Passeggiata alla scoperta dei castagni secolari del Monte Venda nel Parco Regionale dei Colli Euganei. Al termine, suggestiva merenda attorno al falò.
Durata: 2 ore
Difficoltà: facile
Organizza: Pro Loco Monselice
PROVINCE OF ROVIGO
Rosolina - Sunday 10 December, 10 a.m.
GIARDINO BOTANICO LITORANEO DI PORTO CALERI
A true immersion in the evocative colours of the Veneto Coastal Botanical Garden in Rosolina Mare, located at the southern end of the Rosolina peninsula, separating the sea from the Caleri Lagoon, and characterised by the presence of habitats of remarkable quality.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Rosolina
PROVINCE OF TREVISO
Cison di Valmarino - Friday 8 and Sunday 10 December at 10 a.m.
WATER AND MILLS ROUTE
A ring-route to discover the valley of the Rujo stream in its autumnal guise. The excursion will allow us to get to know and explore the naturalistic and historical aspects of the Via dei Mulini, crossing woods and small waterfalls but also old mills, follies, gullies and wash houses.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: medium
Organised by: Pro Loco Cison di Valmarino
Gaiarine - Friday 8 December and Saturday 9 December, 2 p.m.
CRASERE & UTIA WOODS
The Crasere and Utia woods tangibly represent how it is possible to achieve environmental recovery, creating hitherto unthinkable spaces for native fauna and flora. This is an area of 17,000 square metres planted in a natural way (the first planting dates back to 1996) by the volunteers of the Amica Terra Association, creating from nothing a reforestation similar to a 'lowland' forest.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Primavera
Quinto di Treviso - Friday 8 December, 10 a.m.
NATURE OASIS OF CERVARA
The Cervara Oasis is the most important nature reserve included in the Regional Park of the River Sile: it protects a large wetland area extending over 25 hectares in which one can observe the wet wood of alders and willows, peat bogs where sedges vegetate and canals fed by resurgence waters. The Oasis is home to a rich avifauna typical of wetlands. The flat path runs for about 2 km on a consistent surface and on wooden footbridges.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Quinto di Treviso
Revine Lago - Saturday 9 December, 2.30 p.m.
REVINE LAKES PARK
Easy walk along the shores of the Revine lakes to discover this precious aquatic environment in its winter guise. Return along the villages of Santa Maria and Lago where you can appreciate the typical architectural structures of the Vallata houses.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: UNPLI Treviso
Casier - Saturday 9 December, 2.30 p.m.
THE RESTERA OF THE SILE RIVER
From the square of the lakeside village of Casier we will ride along a section of Girasile, the E4 cycle path that runs along the river Sile, encountering numerous important sites, including some Venetian villas and the famous Burci cemetery.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: UNPLI Treviso
Breda di Piave - Sunday 10 December, 9.30 a.m.
THE PIAVE AREA AND THE FIRST WORLD WAR TRENCHES
Discovering the natural areas along the Piave river and visiting the First World War trenches and the monument to the fallen soldiers of the Battle of the Solstice at Mulino della Sega (first victory after the fall at Caporetto).
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Breda di Piave
Cordignano - Sunday 10 December, 10 a.m.
THROUGH THE WOODS ON THE CHARCOAL BURNERS' TRACKS
A plunge into the past among the charcoal burners, on the southern slopes of the Cansiglio Forest, to get to know the places where, for centuries, men and beasts toiled, carrying loads of wood and charcoal on their shoulders. At the end, tasting of typical products at the former charcoal burners' park.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: medium
Organised by: Pro Loco Cordignano
Vittorio Veneto - Sunday 10 December, 10 a.m.
MADONNA DELLA SALUTE AND VILLAGES IN THE WOODS
Between winter woods and villages rich in history! Starting from the characteristic village of Costa, we will climb up to Madonna della Salute from where we can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. Walking through woods of hornbeams and oaks, you will reach the locality of Case Meril. From here, following the Prade stream and passing through the old hamlet of Rindola, you will return to the starting point.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: medium
Organised by: Pro Loco Vittorio Veneto
Fregona - Sunday 10 December, 2 p.m.
THE HILL OF OSIGO, PATHS AND MULE TRACKS BETWEEN THE VILLAGES OF THE FOOTHILLS
An afternoon walk to get to know the surroundings of Osigo by following the paths and mule tracks that, for centuries, were the only link between the hamlets of the Fregona foothills and the Cansiglio Forest.
A route immersed in greenery, characterised by wide views: starting from the car park, it is divided into a first part defined as "religious", characterised by the famous 14 Stations of the Cross, to continue through green spaces and immersed in nature. At the end, we will move on to the Cantina Produttori del Torchiato di Fregona for a visit to the wine cellar, followed by a tasting of passito di Fregona accompanied with biscuits and one of Boschera white wine accompanied with cheese.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Fregona
PROVINCE OF VENICE
Mestre - Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December, 10 a.m.
BOSCO DI MESTRE
The Bosco di Mestre is one of the major programmes with which the Venice City Council is enhancing the mainland. It represents an intervention aimed at increasing biodiversity, through the restoration of lowland woods and the renaturalisation of watercourses. The Mestre Woods, with its 230 hectares, is a fully-fledged part of the urban fabric of the municipality of Venice. The Carpenedo Wood, the Osellino Wood, the Campalto Wood and the vast Querini areas with the Ottolenghi, di Franca and Zaher Woods surround the built-up area of Mestre with a wood that year by year takes on more and more the natural appearance typical of lowland woods.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Mestre
Musile di Piave - Sunday 10 December, 9 a.m.
NORTH LAGOON OF VENICE UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
Guided excursion to the North Lagoon of Venice, a UNESCO heritage site, and visit to the museum rooms of the "La Piave Vecchia" Environmental Education Centre. During the excursion it will be possible to immerse oneself in the lagoon landscape in its almost wintery guise and observe the birds that populate it, including pink flamingos, herons and various species of anatidae.
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Musile di Piave
PROVINCIA DI VERONA
Ferrara di Monte Baldo – venerdì 8 dicembre, ore 10.00
SENTIERO DELLE TRINCEE DI NOVEZZA
Immerso nella natura e con panorami mozzafiato sul Monte Baldo e la Val d’Adige, il percorso si snoda attraverso le trincee della Prima guerra mondiale
Durata: 2 ore
Difficoltà: media
Organizza: Pro Loco Ferrara Monte Baldo
Marano di Valpolicella – sabato 9 e domenica 10, ore 10.00
BOSCHI DELLA VALPOLICELLA
Itinerario panoramico semplice e appagante, nel silenzio e nella solitudine di un bosco dove la mano dell’uomo ancora non è arrivata.
La vegetazione è a carattere forestale con la presenza di alberi come il carpino, il tiglio, l’acero, il salice e, di un sottobosco ricco di muschi e felci. Si possono incontrare mammiferi come il tasso, il riccio, la talpa, la volpe, il capriolo e il cinghiale nonché molte specie di uccelli, tra cui il nibbio bruno, il falco pecchiaiolo, il picchio nero e l’averla piccola. Il percorso si snoda da Malga Biancari verso Rio Baiaghe o Vaio di Roaso su strada sterrata, si arriva alla Ghiacciaia (buco profondo rivestito di pietra usato in passato per la conservazione del ghiaccio nella stagione calda), si prosegue toccando le Località Marezzane, Toredan, Canova, Baiaghe, Ca’ de Loi e ritorno alla Malga, per un totale di 5 km circa.
Durata: 2 ore
Difficoltà: facile
Organizza: Pro Loco Marano di Valpolicella
Caprino Veronese - Saturday 9 December, 2 p.m.
YEW VALLEY
The route winds its way along a nature trail and then enters the Valle del Tasso, where the stream of the same name flows through the woods between whirlpools and waterfalls. Along the way, refreshments will be offered at the visitable artistic church of San Martino.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: medium
Organised by: Pro Loco Caprino Veronese
Bovolone - Sunday 10 December, 10 a.m.
VALLE DEL MENAGO NATURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
Bovolone's Valle del Menago park, in its more than 35 hectares, boasts areas of particular environmental interest: the 'Non ti scordar di Me' didactic orchard, the Didactic Apiary, the Meadow of Agrestic Flowers, the Swan Pond, the large enclosure with Farmyard Animals and the Deer Pond; a wetland area where various birds and some endangered species of amphibians and reptiles such as the Lataste Frog and the marsh tortoise can be found; finally, there are small wooded areas and lowland woods, where many animals and birds, both resident and migratory, find refuge. In the middle of the pond there is also a small island on which a prehistoric village from the Bronze Age has been reconstructed.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Consorzio Pro Loco Basso Veronese
Isola della Scala - Sunday 10 December, 10 a.m.
CAMAGRE SPONTANEOUS FOREST
On an abandoned 15,000 m2 plot of land, a forest of elms, ash trees and maples negundi has sprung up spontaneously for some 30 years. We will explore this area with an exceptional guide who will explain the biodiversity of the place. At the end, a tasting of Risotto all'isolana and Risotto with red radicchio from Verona will be offered.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Isola della Scala
Roverchiara - Sunday 10 December, 9.30 a.m.
THE SMALL LAKES OF CÀ PELLINI
The small lakes of Cà Pellini, also known as the romantic lakes, are located in the area of former clay quarries that, thanks to spring waters and lush spontaneous vegetation, offer an incredible spectacle, a harmony of nature, a refuge for many varieties of birds and aquatic species. At the end, pan and codeghin tasting of "heavy PDO pork".
Duration: 1.45 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Roverchiara
Villa Bartolomea - Sunday 10 December, 2.30 p.m.
THE SECULAR PLANTS OF THE LA PILA ESTATE
The route begins in the estate's park, where there are large, centuries-old plants, and continues along a path through the countryside to an arboretum with valuable woodland plants covering an area of over 7 hectares. The wooded area forms a barrier between the 434 motorway, which runs nearby, and the agricultural area; the presence of the hunting ban on the entire territory of the La Pila Estate has meant that the wood has become a natural wildlife refuge that is home to various species of animals, including hares, and birds, first and foremost herons.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Villa Bartolomea and Pro Loco Castagnaro
Lugo di Vicenza - Sunday 10 December, 10 a.m.
BETWEEN VILLAS AND THE SELGEA OASIS
Along the paths of Lugo di Vicenza, to discover the villas of the past and the Oasi Selgea through the story of popular traditions and nature, also participating in the fun challenge of the clue hunt, dedicated mainly to children.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organised by: Pro Loco Lugo di Vicenza
PROVINCE OF VICENZA
Arsiero - Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, 10 a.m.
CANYONS OF CONTRÀ PRIA
In Arsiero, along the road that climbs towards Valdastico, true natural jewels are hidden: the wonderful Canyons of Contrà Pria. Here crystal-clear waters alternate with striking landscapes of unspoiled nature, canyons carved by the river over the centuries, natural emerald pools and small bays created by the unstoppable force of the Astico torrent.
The walk includes the discovery of the natural elements of this particular area, stopping also in the districts of the municipality, where the event among the cribs of the districts is taking place.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: medium
Organized by: Pro Loco Arsiero
Lugo di Vicenza - Sunday, December 10, 10 a.m.
BETWEEN VILLAS AND SELGEA OASIS
Along the paths of Lugo di Vicenza, to discover the villas of the past and the Selgea Oasis through the story of folk traditions and nature, also participating in the fun challenge of the clue hunt, dedicated mainly to children.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Organized by: Pro Loco Lugo di Vicenza
