STAGE 1: Ventimiglia – La Colla (10.5 km)(Stage 1 of section 1 on the network guide www.altaviainfoh24.com)

It is Ventimiglia, a border town, the ideal starting point for the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, which we will appreciate to be a true border route from many points of view. The first stage is characterized by several ups and downs where you have the first beautiful views of the Nervia and Roja Valleys, walking surrounded by Mediterranean scrub.

The first section of the Alta Via has undergone changes: the beginning of the trail, in fact, is no longer at the railway underpass, but at Via Scalo Merci. From here, continue on the railroad overpass, crossing the intersection and reaching Maule Street.

You then ascend to Colle Sgarba on a trail, which you leave here by taking a road with little traffic on the ridge between Roja and Nervia. We soon find the dirt road again, as the beautiful cottages with views diminish, and thus reach first the head of the Rio Secondo valley and then Monte delle Fontane (475 m.).

From here you can enjoy the sheer view of the Val Roja before entering the pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation leading to the village of Ciaixe (km 5.7).

Past the grassy expanse by the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, we return to a dirt road that is colored yellow by mimosa during spring. Arriving at the slopes of Mount Baraccone, we continue between ups and downs along the ridge, reaching Cima d’Aurin at km 9 and then La Colla, the stage’s finishing point, in a gentler final stretch through cultivated land.

Length: 11 km
Uphill elevation gain: 893 m
Downhill elevation gain: 393 m
Highest point: 525 m
Lowest point: 24 m
Type of surface: dirt road

Municipality of departure: Ventimiglia
Place of departure: Ventimiglia
Municipality of arrival: Ventimiglia
Arrival Location: La Colla

Recommended period:
All year round

Useful links:
http://www.altaviainfoh24.com

TheAlta Via dei Monti Liguri is a “border” route, separating the Mediterranean coast from the wild hinterland, between sea and sky, Alps and Apennines. Like a green highway it traverses all of Liguria, totaling 440 km along sunny ridges, grassy prairies and shady forests.

Those who venture along the Ligurian Mountains High Road on foot can enjoy. viewpoints fascinating, from which the gaze can sweep as far as Corsica, Monviso and Monte Rosa, but also notable is the historical and cultural heritage, among lines of fortifications and splendid hamlets That deserve to be visited.

The red-white-red trail marker with the initials AV identifies the route to be followed all along the trail, which presents no particular difficulty and can be safely tackled throughout the year by average hikers. In addition, the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri is surrounded by a network of trails and mule tracks and crosses all the pass variants, allowing you to break up the route as you please.

Along the 43 stages of the trekking itinerary, there are numerous accommodations belonging to the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri Hospitality Association, where you can sleep, eat, get shelter in case of adverse weather conditions, and modify the stages according to your needs and abilities.

A 24-hour helpline is available at +39 3381629347.

At www.altaviainfoh24.com (to whom credits are due for the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri gpx trail published here) the official trail guide can be purchased.