Large ring route in the river’s gorge

The starting point of the route can be reached from the village of Mazzolla, along the dirt road that leads to the Berignone Reserve, in Capannone. From the car park of the Reserve, the start of the trail is a 500 m walk away.

We do not recommend taking this route immediately after a heavy rain because of the ford over the ditch at the Rio river.

This route will lead you to discover the wildest area of the Berignone Forest. It begins at the beautiful Capannone rest area, from which the path immediately enters the holm oak wood along the Botro al Melo gorge, where you will see many waterfalls and small potholes.

Through age-old woods, you will then reach Pietruccolaie, a charming panoramic point overlooking the Colline Metallifere (Metal-bearing Hills), from which you can easily understand how sparsely inhabited the entire area is. In a short time, you will reach a path through the forest that climbs up to the Venella spring and to a fir-tree grove, planted around 1930 on the northern slope of Monte Soldano.

The return journey will take you us down into the spectacular valley of Botro al Rio, a deep gorge carved by the millennial work of water: the holm oaks share the hegemony with tall shrubs and it is quite easy to spot fallow deer, wild boar and, with a little luck, even wolves. Once back on the ridge, the walk will lead you to the ruins of the Castello dei Vescovi, first founded in 896 and perched on a rocky spur. From here you may enjoy not only a breathtaking view, but also watch the mighty short-toed eagle, also called the eagle of serpents soar through the sky in large circular movement.

The final leg of the path threads along the Sellate Torrent, surrounded by the embrace of the deciduous broadleaf woods, dominated by turkey oaks and hygrophilous species such as willows and poplars.

Hiking difficulty scale

T - Tourist

Itineraries on small roads, mule tracks or easy paths, with clearly evident routes that do not pose uncertainties or problems of orientation. They generally take place below 2000 m and usually constitute access to mountain pastures or refuges. They require some knowledge of the mountain environment and physical preparation for walking.

E - Hiking

Routes that almost always turn on paths, or on traces of passage in various terrain (pastures, debris, stony ground), usually with signs. They require a certain sense of orientation, as well as a certain experience and knowledge of the mountainous territory, walking training, as well as appropriate footwear and equipment. Normally the difference in altitude is between 500 and 1000m.

EE - Expert hikers

Routes not always marked and which require a good ability to move on various mountain terrains. They can be paths or even faint traces that wind over rough or steep terrain, with steep and slippery slopes, scree and short snowfields that can be overcome without the use of climbing equipment. They need a good mountain experience, firm footing and good physical preparation. It is also necessary to have adequate equipment and equipment, as well as a good sense of direction. Normally the difference in height is greater than 1000m.

EEA - Expert hikers with mountaineering equipment

Routes that require the use of via ferrata equipment (lanyards, harness, heat sink, helmet, etc.). They can be equipped paths or real via ferratas. It is necessary to know how to use the technical equipment safely and have a certain habit of exposure and mountaineering terrain.

MTB difficulty scale

TC - Tourist

Route on dirt roads with a compact and smooth surface, suitable for vehicles.

BC - For cyclists with good technical skills

Route on very bumpy dirt roads or on mule tracks and paths with a rather bumpy but fairly smooth surface or compact but irregular, with some natural obstacles (eg rock steps or roots).

OC - For cyclists with excellent technical skills

As above but on very bumpy and / or very irregular paths, with significant presence of obstacles.

EC - Maximum level for the cycle excursionist

Path on very irregular paths, characterized by steps and obstacles in continuous succession, which require trial-type techniques.