A walk along the roggia path

Family Slow Tour

12 February 2017

Family Slow Tour

A walk along the roggia path

We’re in the municipality of Reana del Rojale (UD), a strategic spot for enjoying the full spectacle of the wonderful Julian Prealps. This is the start of the Passeggiata delle Rogge, an asphalt and paved cycle/pedestrian path of some 10 km along the course of the roggia (irrigation channel) to Molin Nuovo (north Udine). The walk is particularly interesting between the districts of Cortale and Valle where the old sluice gates divide the waters into the two time-honoured Palma and Udine irrigation channels. This spot marks the start of the channels which create the characteristic views of my town that I like best.

I love walking with my little boy near the gurgling water as we explore our local countryside. We say hello to the ducks that flock to the clear channel every day, we watch the sails of the 16th-century windmill as they turn, today as yesterday, to mill the wheat. We wonder at the curious shapes created by the mulberry trees’ twisted branches. Today we brought the pushchair with us, but tomorrow we might come with our cycles and stop for a picnic at one of the picnic areas with tables. We must come back to see how this gentle, relaxing landscape changes through the seasons.

It’s wonderful to be surrounded by this fairytale-like atmosphere amidst little bridges and willow trees, watching the leaves trail in the water as it flows brightly towards the town.