An out-and-back hike along the same trail, simple and enjoyable, leading to Monte Lavagnola starting from Barbagelata, which at 1125 m is the highest village in the province of Genoa. As the route mostly runs through shaded woodland, it is also suitable during hot summer days.
Barbagelata, a hamlet of Lorsica, can be reached from the Val Fontanabuona by following the SP 23 road from Cicagna up to the Passo della Scoglina, then continuing right onto the SP 56.
Before entering the village there is a small parking area near the start of the trail, which begins from the memorial stone by the road, placed in remembrance of partisans killed here by fascists during World War II.
With a short descent, the trail enters the forest and continues mostly on level ground, with a few gentle ups and downs, along a wide dirt track that crosses a beautiful beech forest, offering some shade and coolness in summer.
The route continues through the woods, first skirting Monte Larnaia and then Monte Bocco, with a few more open sections that offer views over the Val Fontanabuona. As this is stage 29 of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, the trail to follow is marked with the Alta Via symbol 
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After about 5 kilometres, the path descends towards a road, which you follow to the right to reach the hamlet of Giassina, a small group of scattered houses, before meeting the SP 21 coming from Neirone.
Walk a few metres to the right along the road to reach Sella Giassina (926 m), the end point of stage 29, where a small chapel dedicated to the Madonna stands, built by the locals and the Americans (as stated on the plaque).
Continue along the road to climb up to the Passo del Portello (1040 m), where you cross from Val Fontanabuona into Val Trebbia. It is marked by an old stone chapel dedicated to the Madonna delle Neve and offers a wide panoramic view stretching towards the coast.
From the opposite side of the building, rejoin the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri trail, which re-enters the forest, climbing gently before continuing through the beech woods with some ups and downs.
After skirting Monte Montaldo, you reach a saddle with views back over Val Fontanabuona and ahead towards Monte Lavagnola. Staying on the official trail, which circles the mountain to the right, you climb through the woods to reach Colle Lavagnola (1080 m), where it meets the path linking Scoffera to Torriglia.
From here, a short but steep climb leads to the summit of Monte Lavagnola (1118 m), where a memorial marks CAI members who died during World War I.
Behind the monument, a bench has been placed to enjoy the wide and peaceful views.
The return follows the same route back.
