The northern slopes of Monte Soldano

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The starting point of the trail can be reached from the village of Mazzolla, along the dirt road that leads to the Berignone Reserve, at Il Pino village. The starting point of the trail is about 850 m on foot from the car park near the edge of the Reserve.

This route is part of the “7 Sentieri Natura delle Riserve Naturali” (7 Nature Trails of the Nature Reserves) and it also features a guidebook with marked and numbered waypoints along the way.

We advise you to refrain from taking the part of the route that requires you to wade through the Fosci stream after heavy rain days. Between the old farms, you can discover the tracks of mammals on the north-western slopes of Monte Soldano.

The easy-to-travel path takes visitor through the numerous remnants of agricultural and forestry activities. The farms, rich in history and charm, the small agricultural areas immersed in the wood, allows you to walk along the ancient mule tracks, surrounded by pines and cypresses, and to watch the monumental olive trees of Podere Caprareccia, with their particular dry stone walls: the visitor thus gets to know a forest landscape “built” by the secular presence of man.

The Podere il Pino area, with its vast reforestations and the fluvial ecosystem of the Fosci stream are perfect spotting areas for ungulates. From Podere Caprareccia, the arrival point of the nature path, a quick connection takes you to the “La Venella” educational nature trail, where you can visit an interesting reconstruction of a charcoal pile and a charcoal burner’s hut.

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.