Description
La Pipperia is a small but cute climbing spot. The cliff is a vertical rock wall of good conglomerate, with a dozen of routes. The holds are mainly pockets and crimps, and the climbing friction is excellent.
The routes are of medium length, well protected and good for the sport climbing.
It was equipped by Alfredo Smargiassi and Federico Angelucci between 2017 and 2018 with certified stainless steel gears. All the belays have been equipped with a carabiner.
The climbing style is technical, but fingery too.
The crag is located into the Turano Valley, within easy walking distance from the rock wall of La Fortezza, thus La Pipperia represents a small supply of easy/medium routes when La fortezza is too crowded.
Few Kilometers from the parking spot there is the Antica Fonte Cottorella fountain, where you can fill your bottles with mineral water for free.
The Turano Valley is strategically located between Lazio, Abruzzo e Umbria: it can be reached in less than one hour from Rome (Lazio). L’Aquila (Abruzzo), Terni (Umbria).
The space under the routes is not much wide, but comfortable. The approach is not awkward, even if you have to cross two ditches. Thus (paying attention when crossing the ditches) this small cliff is good for families with children.
Approach
FROM ROME:
Take the motorway A1 direction Firenze, and exit at Fiano Romano. Then follow the signs to Rieti, taking the SS4 Salaria route. Few dozen of meters after the 70th Km of this route, just before a tunnel, turn right following the signs to Rieti Centro/Porta Romana (taking the SS4bis Salaria bis route). After about 4 Km, once at a roundabout, turn right following the signs to Carsoli (taking the SP 31). Pass the Antica Fonte Cottorella (= Ancient Cottorella Spring), where you can fill your bottles with some mineral water for free. Continue for few Kilometers, up to a widening open the right fo the road (on the left you can see the cliffs of La Fortezza and La Pipperia), and park there your car.
FROM CARSOLI:
The SP31 road following the signs to Castel di Tora, and follow it along the whole Turano Valley. About 4 Km before the junction with the SS4bis to Rieti, park your car in the widening on the left (on the right you can see the cliffs of La Fortezza and La Pipperia).
FROM L’AQUILA:
Take the SS17 following the signs to Antrodoco. Once at Antrodoco (that is about after 40 Km), follow the signs to Rieti, taking the SS4 Salaria route. Exit at Rieti Est and follow the signs to Leonessa, taking the SR 578 Salto Cicolana route. After about 500m, turn left taking the SS4 bis (Salaria bis route). Continue for about 2-3 Km, up to a roundabout. Once at the roundabout, turn left following the signs to Carsoli (taking the SP 31). Pass the Antica Fonte Cottorella (= Ancient Cottorella Spring), where you can fill your bottles with some mineral water for free. Continue for few Kilometers, up to a widening open the right fo the road (on the left you can see the cliffs of La Fortezza and La Pipperia), and park there your car.
