Hidden Treasures of Puglia & Matera

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Total ascent: 165 feet (50m)

In summary: We’ll start north of the Pulo and after a walk through typical Murgia scenery we will explore the rim of the Pulo with views into the depression. We will then descend through a further area of the National Park, first more steeply across the limestone, then on gravel paths before arriving at the Altamura Man Visitor Centre.

Highlight: The Pulo depression, the largest doline in southern Italy.

Distance: 8½ miles (14km)

Total ascent: 230 feet (70m)

In summary: The harder walk takes a longer and more securitious route to the Pulo, walking amongst typical Murgia scenery. Along the way we visit a well with a slightly gruesome history. Arriving at the Pulo we explore the rim of the depression before walking to the Altamure Man Visitor Centre by the same route as the easier walk.

Highlight: Visit the ‘Altamura Man Visitor Centre’ to learn about the preserved Genus Homo remains found in a cave near Altamura.

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: This walk starts to the east of the castle and wanders on good tracks through olive groves and past many whitewashed ‘Trulli’ houses. Hopefully there will be an opportunity for lunch and drinks to be enjoyed at a remote farmhouse, before ascending to the castle itself, where there will be some time to visit the inside of the castle (payable locally) to speculate on the many oddities of its construction.

Highlight: View Castel del Monte - a World Heritage Site that was completed in 1250

Distance: 10 miles (17km)

Total ascent: 1000 feet (300m)

In summary: The Harder walk begins near the small hamlet of San Magno, southeast of the castle and takes a longer route on good tracks throughout to reach Castel del Monte. This route crosses the heart of the park and offers a chance to see the characteristic vegetation and agriculture of the limestone soils, before joining the route of the easier group. After lunch there may be time for an early afternoon drink at a farm. We can enjoy the panoramic views from the castle, before descending to our end point where we can enjoy a drink with the Easier group.

Highlight: Our route to the castle takes us through beautiful scenery - enhanced in the spring by wonderful wildflowers.

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Total ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: From the centre of Gravina we make our way across an ancient aqueduct to the far side of the ravine. We ascend Botromagno Hill, site of an Iron Age hill fort, to a plateau where we can explore several archaeological sites. Our walk takes us along tracks and paths with lovely views. On our return to Gravina, we visit the amazing Sotteranea archaeological complex before exploring the town and perhaps enjoying refreshments.

Highlight: We'll use an English-speaking guide to tour the Sotteranea - a fascinating underground complex.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

Total ascent: 1,100 feet (330m)

In summary: The harder walk starts to the south of Gravina and follows tracks and quiet lanes, traversing the flanks of the Serra Pendino and walking gently uphill to reach the plateau of Botromagno, where it joins part of the route of the easier walk. There are opportunities to visit some of the archaeological remains on the plateau before descending to Gravina and joining the easier party to visit the Sottoranea complex and maybe have refreshments.

Highlight: The summit of Botromagno Hill features the remains of an Iron Age fort.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Total ascent: 560 feet (170m)

In summary: Our route starts in the forest taking us through the northern edge of this woodland and out to open heathland. We continue to a deserted ‘jazzo’ before our route heads back into the woods and returns us to the taverna.

Highlight: This 'artificial' forest is home to many species of birds

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Total ascent: 850 feet (260m)

In summary: We follow the same route as the easier walk to the deserted ‘jazzo’. From here we will continue south of the forest before heading back into the woodland to join the easier party for refreshments.

Highlight: We find a peaceful and sun-dappled spot perfect for a picnic lunch.