A medium-length stage with a notable elevation change that leaves Lake Campotosto, traversing the Apennine ridge and reconnecting with the bed of the Fosso dell'Acero stream. From Campotosto, the route ascends the northern slopes of the lake to reach a pass situated between the peaks of Monte di Mezzo and Cima della Laghetta. From here, it descends along the wild and wooded eastern slope down to the remote settlement of Cesacastina, perched high in a valley of the Laga mountain massif.
