Quite a long stage, without particular difficulties but with good altitude difference and a significant final climb.
The view from Monte Beigua (1,287 m) is very beautiful, from where we see Corsica and the Apuan Alps.
The signs are not always clear and well present (several crossroads without indications): even the trace on the ground can sometimes be difficult to read. Keep an eye on the GPS.
The water points are present only in the towns of Le Meugge and Giovo Ligure.
Given its proximity to the Ligurian coast, Mount Beigua is often surrounded by dense fogs and very intense winds.
We return to the woods on the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri. We pass through the places of Napoleon's Italian Campaign. We then meet a plaque commemorating the longest flight ever made with a hot-air balloon, in 1984, by the American Colonel Joe Kittinger (who arrived here from Maine). On a comfortable carriage road among the chestnut trees, we lose altitude (approximately 100 m drop) until we find ourselves on the state road, which we travel for a short distance, before resuming the AVML route, a comfortable carriage road that takes us with ups and downs to the houses of the hamlet of Le Meugge.
Resuming the path (making sure to locate the correct track) we return to the beech and chestnut woods and, in the usual ups and downs, we pass gigantic wind turbines. We walk on a wide-open road, devastated by the tracks of the work vehicles. After an easy climb (approx. 100 m height difference) to Bric Sportiole (890 m) we gradually lose altitude (approx. 400 m drop) to the hamlet of Giovo Ligure (the most tired ones can take advantage of the inhabited center to break the stage), which we cross by road.
Leaving the town, we find the wide AVML path and start the climb (approx. 750 m height difference) to Monte Beigua, constant and on a good track in the woods. At an altitude of 850 m, a stretch along the hillside allows us to catch our breath before resuming climbing. With the last climb, we reach the top of Mount Bric Veciri (1,264 m), the first of the Beigua peaks. The summit plain is suggestive and very panoramic: we spot the peaks of the Ligurian Alps and, far away, those of the Pennine Alps.
Shortly thereafter, you reach the top of Mount Beigua (1,287 m), unfortunately ruined by the various television repeaters.
Not far away, the small Sanctuary of Regina Pacis.
In this territory took place the Battle of Montenotte, one of the first conducted by General Bonaparte in the Italian Campaign, in 1796, against the troops of the monarchies of the Ancient Regime.
Napoleon, leading ill-equipped but strongly motivated troops by the promises of "glory and prey", once arrived in the rich regions of the Po Valley, managed to beat the Austro-Piedmontese troops, dividing the enemy line-up at the foot of the Ligurian Alps and defeating separately the two armies. It was the first example of the innovative and surprising strategies that characterized Napoleon's military genius in the following years.
The Beigua Park is a protected natural area which, with its exceptional geological heritage (mineral outcrops, fossil deposits, spectacular rock shapes ...) tells the geological history of Liguria. In 2015, the Park was recognized as a Unesco site and included in the Unesco Global Geoparks list.
Inside the Park, it is possible to visit the small but suggestive canyon of the Gargassa Valley. Equally interesting are the (large) fossil coral colonies of Monte Prina, very well preserved.
The Beigua pecorino is produced in the Stella area and comes from the processing of raw milk, to which liquid rennet is added.
The ideal seasoning is around six months. The color of the rind is straw yellow, the paste has a light yellow color and is pleasantly crumbly. In this cheese, we can sense the notable aromatic varieties typical of the Beigua pastures that give it a strong flavor, never spicy or aggressive.
Albergo Ligure, in Campo Giovo. Tel. +39 019 705265 - +39 333 214 7454
Rifugio Beigua, on the top of the homonymous mountain. Tel. +39 019 931304
Rifugio Pratorotondo,in the locality of the same name, 2 km from the Rifugio Beigua, continuing on the path of the next stage. Tel. +39 010 913 3578
Starting point of the stage reachable by car (it is less than 10 minutes from Cascina Miera).
Departure point NOT reachable by bus.
The nearest place reachable by bus is Santuario, starting from the city of Savona.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Starting point NOT reachable by train.
The nearest place reachable by train is Santuario, starting from the city of Savona.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
