Nascio - Monte Roccagrande - Statale - Cassagna - Nascio

A circular trail that combines visiting three picturesque villages in the Val Graveglia with a climb to the summit of Monte Roccagrande.
It is recommended to start with an adequate supply of water, as there are no water sources along the route.

The starting point is Nascio, a charming village made up of a handful of perched houses, reachable in about an hour by car from the Lavagna highway exit, following the SP33 to the Settembrin roundabout, where you continue to the right on the SP26 until you find, again on the right, the turn-off leading up to the village.

After parking the vehicles in the designated area next to the village, cross the road and follow the trail, which, after passing a gate, begins to climb into the forest.
It is a pleasant route through the woods and Mediterranean scrub, marked with the CAI trail marker that ascends for about twenty minutes before continuing on a level path surrounded by panoramic views.

Upon reaching a dirt road, which offers a commanding view of Sestri Levante and its hinterland, descend to the right until the junction, then follow the wide uphill road to the left, leading to the trail for Monte Roccagrande, already clearly visible.

At first, it is a narrow, rocky trail advancing through Mediterranean scrub, then as you ascend, the vegetation becomes increasingly sparse, punctuated by rocks. Following a steep climb without a clearly defined path, you reach the summit of Monte Roccagrande (892m) with its iconic cross.

The view is unique: on one side, you can admire all the mountains of the hinterland, and on the other, the bay of Sestri Levante and the Gulf of Tigullio.
When the weather is favorable, it is an excellent spot for a refreshing break.

Descend now on the opposite side with a series of switchbacks on rocky terrain, following the marker  until reaching the dirt road.
Here, due to strong winds at the summit of Roccagrande, we took a detour to the right for a lunch break at Rifugio Treggin Roccagrande, but the itinerary continues turning to the left. The route now becomes a pleasant flat walk overlooking the Val Petronio, passing by Lago di Bargone, a glacial-era lake rich in insects and amphibians.

After passing the lake, the ascent begins towards Passo Bocco di Bargone, a crossroads of several paths, where you continue to the left following the marker on a level path that arrives, without much difficulty, after about 2 kilometers at Passo Broccheie.
Ignoring the right turn-off that climbs to Monte Porcile, continue straight for a few more meters before descending to the left along a visible trail marked with the CAI trail marker that descends steeply in parts through meadows.

Entering the forest, the descent becomes increasingly easier, and after crossing a small bridge, you proceed along a flat stretch that skirts dry stone walls before descending to the left to reach a road, which you follow to the right to reach the paved road leading Statale, the second village on the route.

Cross the village, where time seems to have stood still, and descend to rejoin the road, which you follow to the left, passing by the cemetery worth visiting for its peculiarity of being built beneath the church.

The road then becomes unpaved and enters the forest, continuing on level ground until reaching the trail on the left that climbs and crosses over to descend towards the third equally typical village of Val Graveglia, Cassagna, characterized by narrow passages and typical stone houses. Here there is also an "agritusrismo".

After passing the village, follow the last stretch through the forest leading to the 18th-century bridge that crosses the Novelli stream and returns to Nascio, where the route concludes.

The path tracked on Google Maps

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