VALLE DI TAVERONE and the APENNINES

There are many possibilities for anyone who wants to go walking in, around and from the Valle del Taverone. The countryside is a spider's web of paths and mule tracks: every village has paths leading out from it to surrounding meadows and woods or onto the next village. You can get lost. It is worth taking a map and compass if you are going any distance. Main paths are marked with red and white paint on rocks and trees.

Castagneto up to the small hamlet of Baccana: up a very quiet and picturesque road with lovely views of Varano and the mountains.

Baccana to Bastia: through the countryside by way of the hilltops.
Ripola to Apella: lovely countryside.

Tavernelle to Cattognano: over and old hump back bridge and past the ruins of an old mill (start opposite the Capriolo bar). A pretty walk through the woods.

Prota to Groppo San Pietro; a very pretty walk connecting two villages high in the mountains.

Amola to Panicale: take tracks towards Molesana.

These are just a few suggestions. There really are hundreds of little paths leading from the villages through woods and spectacular scenery.

APENNINES

For the more adventurous there are some splendid mountain excursions, especially up to and on the Tuscan/Emilian Apennine ridge. For these, go by car to the Passo del Lagastrello or to Camporaghena (above Comano).

CAMPORAGHENA is a small village above Comano. During the war many escaped British prisoners hid in the mountains above Camporaghena.
Camporaghena is divided into two parts: top and bottom. When driving into Camporaghena there is a hairpin bend - up is to the top part of the village and down the lane on the right hand side of the bend is the bottom part.

Camporaghena - Torsana: From the top of Camporaghena follow the red and white marks to Torsana, or from Torsana follow the signs to Passo del Cerreto.

Camporaghena - Sassalbo: There are paths both from the top and bottom parts of Camporagnena marked Sassalbo.

Camporaghena - Monte Marinella: From the bottom of Camporaghena go straight through the village and follow the red and white signs to Monte Marinella.

Camporaghena - Passo del Cerreto: Take the path to Sassalbo from where you follow the sign to Passo del Cerreto.

TORSANA is perched above Comano in the other valley. This tiny hamlet has a population of 13 in the summer and 4 in the winter!
Torsana - Punta Buffanara: Red and white painted marks indicate this path leading way up to one of the highest peaks of the Apennines (1878 meters). About 5 1/2 hours return not counting rests.

Torsana - Passo del Lagastrello: The left path from Torsana is well marked to the Passo del Lagastrello.

Torsana - Passo del Cerreto: The path down to the right marked Passo del Cerreto leads to Camporaghena and on to Cerreto through Sassalbo.

LAGASTRELLO is the old pass connecting Liguria and the North of Tuscany to Parma. If you drive to Lagastrello either from Comano or Tavernelle, at the top you will pass the Lake Paduli on your right. At the end of the lake there is a bridge on your right and at the other side of the bridge a map of the marked Apennine walks reproduced by the Italian Alpine Club (CAI).

During the summer, months and on a nice day you will only need light clothes and good walking shoes, but it would be sensible to carry a sweatshirt or jumper with you in case the wind gets up. Remember that it is also cooler at 1800 meters than down at the bottom of the valley. Naturally you will also need water to quench your thirst and perhaps something to eat.