Trail Priosa - Passo della Scoglina - Barbagelata - Monte Laghicciola - Salto - Priosa

A long and demanding itinerary suitable for those with good physical preparation and the ability to handle significant elevation changes on terrain that is not always easy.
Due to the duration of the hike, it is advisable to undertake it when the days are longer and to start with a good supply of water.

The starting point is Priosa, a hamlet of Rezzoaglio, accessible from the Val Fontanabuona via the SP 56 or from Carasco by taking the SP 586 of the Val D’Aveto.
There is no real parking lot, but you can usually find a spot below the church.

Leave the paved road to enter the village and descend toward the bridge that crosses the Aveto river. Continue left on the cycling and walking path that connects Priosa to Ventarola. This dirt path climbs through the woods past some abandoned farmhouses in the Mandriole area, then continues as a trail up to the slopes of Monte Pagliaro, where there is a scenic viewpoint with a sign and a bench.

Here you leave the cycle path and continue to the right along the ridge, always following the trail marker and tackle the first of a series of challenging climbs: the ascent to Monte Pagliaro (1178 m), reached in about 30 minutes by first crossing the woods and then walking on drier, rockier terrain.
From the summit, you overlook the Val Fontanabuona on one side and the Val D’Aveto on the other.

The descent follows, which in the first section is just as challenging due to the steepness and leaf-covered path that make it very slippery (to be avoided in wet or snowy conditions).
The trail then becomes easier through a beech forest, reaching the north side of Monte Pagliaro, a crossroads of trails from both Val Fontanabuona and Val D’Aveto.

Continuing straight ahead, follow stage 30 of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri , one of the longest and wildest stages, descending through a beech forest to reach Sella Pertuso (1062 m), a natural balcony overlooking Favale di Malvaro and the entire valley.

A series of ups and downs allows you to catch your breath before facing the steep trail leading, in about 30 minutes, to the summit of Bric della Scavizzola (1118 m). After the climb, there’s a similarly challenging descent along a small path that follows the ridge, with some sections going slightly inland.

You quickly regain elevation by climbing up to Bric dell’Arietta (1056 m), then descend again - this time with less effort - to Passo di Pozzarelli, a suitable rest area where the trail from Favale di Malvaro joins.

Continue straight along the gently descending trail, which offers a scenic viewpoint over the Val Fontanabuona, before descending to the paved road at Passo della Scoglina (926 m), the pass where trails from Val Fontanabuona, Val D’Aveto, and Val Trebbia converge.
Turn right and follow SP 56 for about 200 meters until you spot the trail to Barbagelata on the left.

Still following the Alta Via marker , now joined by A13, the wide trail enters the woods, initially climbing moderately and alternating with flat sections through beech trees.

The slope increases as the trail narrows approaching the SP 56. Once on the road, turn right to reach Barbagelata (about half an hour from the pass).

This small hamlet of the Lorsica Municipality, which played an important role during the Ligurian Resistance during the second world war, is now a peaceful village at 1115 m altitude, in a panoramic location with the ancient church of Santa Maria Regina del Creato at its center.

Continue along the paved road past the last houses until you find, on the right, a drinking water tap and just before it, a post indicating a trail that would otherwise be hard to spot.

Climb steadily following the marker leading to the ridge, passing the ruins of the Chapel of Costa Finale, where it meets the trail from Costa Finale.

The route becomes very pleasant, continuing with a series of ups and downs mainly along the ridge, except where it bypasses Monte Posasso and then Monte Posasco.
Eventually, you reach the Chapel of Cardenosa (1112 m), a secluded chapel in the woods that can serve as a shelter in bad weather and is a good spot for a break.

After a flat stretch, more ups and downs follow, and finally a steep climb to reach Passo della Rocca, where the trail from Priosa and Monte Croce also meets.
Keep left to bypass Monte Collere, and by always following the you reach a grassy area with a view over the Valle Trebbia, then quickly descend to Lago della Nava, a natural lake now reduced in size but inhabited by small frogs.

Continuing along the ridge with a few ups and downs, you arrive at a dirt road that now climbs steeply and, at this point in the hike, may feel tiring, albeit short, leading to Monte Laghicciola (1260 m), recognizable by the antennas on the top.
From here, keep right to descend and then climb again along the dirt road to the Monte Merizzi summit (1215 m).

The trail is now less obvious, but by staying left and following the marker you descend into the forest and reach a fork.
Our itinerary follows the right path, the official route called "Anello di Salto", although it proves more difficult than expected due to narrow, slippery sections and an often unclear trail.

Descend through the woods, paying close attention to the marker, the only reliable guide, especially when encountering several forks.

When you reach a nice mule track, the trail becomes clearer and easier. Only two streams need to be crossed, especially the second one could pose problems after heavy rain. A short climb brings you to the back of Salto, a sleepy village with a few colorful houses, typical of the Val D’Aveto.
There is also a water source here.

You must now follow the paved road (about 1.5 km), a quiet secondary road, to descend to Priosa and complete this itinerary.

The path on Google Map

Unlock, view and download the gpx track by becoming a Supporter.