A pleasant loop itinerary in the Ligurian hinterland, relatively short but requiring attention as it follows trails shared with mountain bikes and therefore includes a few more technical sections, especially on the return leg.
The starting point is Colle Caprile (481 m), a connection point between the coast and the Val Fontanabuona, reachable via the SP333 road from Recco (coastal side) or from Gattorna (inland side).
The area is also served by local buses.
From the crossroads at Colle Caprile, follow the provincial road towards Fontanabuona for around 400 metres until a bend where the route continues right onto the dirt road running alongside a stable.
At a junction marked by faded wooden signs indicating different directions, turn right following the route towards Lumarzo along the MTB trail known as Chigulla.
The trail crosses a meadow before running alongside a fence and descending through a beautiful mixed woodland of chestnut, oak and hornbeam trees, always following a clearly visible track.
The route descends through the shaded forest with a series of switchbacks and a few rocky sections until reaching the Chigulla plain, from which the trail takes its name.
Crossing a charming Roman bridge, the route passes over a small stream before climbing the dirt road leading to the first houses of the village.
A short stretch of asphalt road is followed before continuing on a path branching off to the right before the bend; after a flat section, it climbs to the main hamlet of Piane.
After around 200 metres, leave the carriage road and follow the trail on the left climbing through vegetation alongside grazing fields until reaching the houses.
With one final shortcut, the route quickly reaches the provincial road running through Lumarzo (228 m), a municipality in the Fontanabuona Valley where there is a pharmacy, a small supermarket and a restaurant.
At the end of the trail there is also a historic washhouse with drinking water.
For the return, follow the road eastwards for around 600 metres until reaching, on the right, Via delle Gattorne, a quiet road descending towards houses surrounded by greenery in the locality of Pezza.
At the end of the road begins a dirt trail descending gently through vegetation and soon reaching a junction where you keep right to follow the level track entering the forest.
Particular attention is required here because this is also an MTB trail, the Batagna Trail, and there is a risk of encountering riders descending at high speed.
The route now climbs steadily without being especially demanding, except for a few very steep bike-oriented sections where trekking poles are recommended and which should be avoided in wet conditions.
The trail climbs through beautiful mixed woodland characterised by abundant ferns, alternating with flatter stretches where a few abandoned rural buildings can be seen before the ascent resumes and, after around 600 metres, reaches a junction with signposts.
Follow the trail to the right continuing almost level, then keep right again at the next junction to quickly reach the SP333 road; continue right for about 100 metres before leaving the asphalt and taking the trail climbing left past a few houses before joining the Via del Mare.
In just a few minutes, following the steep descent, you return to Colle Caprile, the starting point of the hike.
