Four days walking and relaxing in the central portion of the Apuan Alps between the Panie group and the Corchia massif.
With departure and return from the pretty village of Isola Santa, we will stay in the Refuge and take advantage of the opportunities to visit pleasant places such as Alpe di Puntato and Foce di Mosceta.
Additional options for climbing the peaks of Pania della Croce and Corchia with itineraries of various levels, and finally to enrich the experience by booking the entrance to the Antro del Corchia, one of the most extensive karst systems explored in Italy.
Programma Giorno per Giorno
- Day 0 / Sunday 19 June – Arrival on site and preparation for Trekking
For the approach and preparation of the departure from Isola Santa it is advisable to arrive supplied with water and food supplies for the first part of the Trekking. A good place to spend the night before the Trekking is definitely La Ceragetta Resort. A short distance from the Isola Santa dam (30min walk) or directly on the lake at “Le case del Pescatore”. Both with the possibility of accommodation and half board. Same considerations for the Trekking purpose described here.
- Day 1/Monday 20th June – Trekking from Isola Santa to Alpe di Puntato
A first taste of Apuane starting from the Isola Santa Dam (parking possible at the Mattarello Restaurant Bar). Crossing the dam, take path 9 uphill, moving through ancient chestnut woods and gaining height up to 950m of Col di Favilla. This was for a long time the highest inhabited village in the Apuan Alps and remained so until the 1960s. Even today it is possible to appreciate, passing by, the structure of the inhabited area that extends around its Church (S. Anna) and the former School. Behind the church a small path bordered by monumental beech trees leads to the old cemetery, in a panoramic position towards Pizzo delle Saette. From here we continue our journey on path n.11 at first in slight ups and downs crossing some streams, then climbing up to find the access path to Alpe del Puntato, arriving at its small church (Oratorio di S. Trinità), in a pleasant position and overview. Going up the meadows in the direction of Monte Corchia you enter the “Furrow of Puntato” and from here in a short time to the Alpe di Puntato where we will spend the night.
- Day 2/Tuesday 21st June – Trekking from Alpe di Puntato to Foce di Mosceta (Rifugio Del Freo)
The basic option of the day is the move from the Alpe di Puntato Refuge to the Del Freo Refuge. This itinerary can be completed in a simple way (approx. 1h, 15min walk) staying at an altitude between 1000m and 1200m (see path n.128) else by searching for the path at the foot of Monte Corchia (2h.ca., climbing up to approx. 1400m; see path n.129). It is assumed that the journey will be with fully loaded backpacks during the morning, while the afternoon can be dedicated to exploring the surroundings of the Del Freo Refuge with a minimal backpack.
- Day 3/Wednesday 22nd June- L’Antro del Corchia
Day dedicated to visiting the Antro del Corchia. The descent to the Antro takes about 1 hour (a little less; a little more for the climb). It is recommended to book admission in advance. It is also recommended to have a windbreaker and a wool hat with you (7 ° c and 100% humidity inside the cave) The approach towards the Antro del Corchia and the return are made using the path n.9 (Le Voltoline) very panoramic on the coast and on the Upper Versilia. On the way out from the Refuge, you can take the variant of the “Punta Pepora” heading towards the stands of the cableway that serves the Refuge. This itinerary leads you to pass the positions of the Second World War, in a thematic path where you will find detailed descriptions of the positions encountered. The visit to the cave lasts about 2 hours. There are no services around the entrance (only bathrooms) so it is advisable to bring: water and packed lunches. The return to the Del Freo Refuge takes place by following the Voltoline path backwards to the Passo dell’Alpino, this time using the classic variant of “Colle del Vento” where we can find other trenches.
- Day 4/ Thursday 23rd June – Back to Isola Santa
Last day of Trekking is about returning to Isola Santa via path 127. This again leads us to Col di Favilla through the Canale delle Verghe, and from here, with the path n.9 downhill towards the lake and to the cars. (1h 30 min total) Depending on the timing, you can still use the morning for some exploration around the Refuge (Monte Corchia or Tana Uomo Selvatico) and leave after lunch.
