Ponti→Ciglione

Description of the route

The departure from Ponti is immediately challenging. A steep climb reaches the Old Church and continues to gain altitude, opening ever wider views over the valley. After passing the Varianda region you arrive on the ridge, near the state road and the church of Sant'Anna di Castelletto d'Erro.

From the panoramic point you can observe the Erro valley, then the path bends to the right and descends on a pleasant road to the valley floor. Here you come across the ford on the stream, a characteristic passage of the stage. Beyond the water, turn right and go up towards the village of Rivere, in the territory of Cartosio.

Once you have crossed the road, the climb continues up to the Banca del CAI refuge. The path then remains on the ridge, passing near the Roccabianca farm. A short, very steep section follows a natural drainage channel and requires careful walking, especially after recent rains.

The next descent enters the woods. At the exit you need to identify the turn towards a path that gains altitude again and emerges between the sports field and the swimming pool of the Le Piagge farmhouse. Once you have found the asphalt again, go along a short stretch of the SP210, then go up Via Cascinali. The last kilometers lead to Ciglione and its hostel, after the day with the greatest positive difference in altitude of the entire journey.