Circular trail Chignero - Manico del Lume

An unusual itinerary to climb the mount Manico del Lume, following ancient trails and panoramic routes.
The route is recommended only for expert hikers due to some rocky sections and a part of the path on an ancient trail, restored and cleaned by a group of volunteers, but not officially marked. It is advised to avoid it when wet, as it can be slippery.

The starting point is Chignero, a small hamlet of Rapallo consisting of a handful of scattered houses and a church. It can be reached by bus or by private vehicle (limited parking availability) in about 10 minutes from the highway exit (Via San Pietro and at the junction, turn left towards Foggia and continue climbing).

Leaving the church on the right, you begin to climb, following the paved road for a few meters before continuing on the mule track to the left, marked by the trail sign . When you are next to an old stone house along the path, the trail leaves the main route to ascend to the right.
Passing some houses, you enter the woods and ascend on a rocky and uneven terrain that soon opens into a more open section, still climbing, leading to a very scenic spot known locally as "the bench" because of a rudimentary wooden bench offering a panoramic view over Rapallo.

Here three trails converge, and our path continues straight on an ancient trail recently cleared and reopened, without footpath signs.
In the initial part, there is no chance of getting lost as the path is evident and moves straight ahead. As the ascent begins, red ribbons on trees and some arrows become very helpful.
After about 30 minutes, you reach the area of Sereu, a small hill characterized by some rocks. Pay close attention to the indications as you ascend toward the ridge (descending to the right leads to the so-called "scoglio dell'orologio" and down to Montepegli hamlet).

The ascent is now steep and direct through low Mediterranean scrub and heather plants. Once on the ridge, continue to the left, now following the FIE trail sign , initially climbing and then leveling out with views of Rapallo and the Portofino Promontory.
Continue climbing over some rocks to reach a fork. To ascend the Manico del Lume, tackle a final steep climb that leads to the summit in 15 minutes, where a cross and a magnificent view await.
If the weather is good, this is the best spot for a lunch break.

Now retrace the last section back down to the fork, where this time you continue straight, following the trail sign .
The descent, surrounded by a magnificent natural setting that embraces sea and mountains, is spectacular but requires caution and a minimum level of preparation for some rocky ups and downs, a section equipped with a chain, and an exposed segment.
Especially when wet, the terrain, mostly consisting of rock slabs, could be slippery. The descent also alternates with passages through the woods.

Once back at the bench, turn right and follow the path you took on the way up to return to the church of Chignero.

The trail on Google Maps

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