STAGE 2: La Colla – Colla Sgora (9.3 km)(Stage 2 of section 1 on the network guide www.altaviainfoh24.com)

The second stage of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, the great trekking crossing of Liguria, begins at La Colla.
The stage is short (2:30 h) and easy to travel as the landscape around us rapidly changes from coastal to rural farming villages. Even the vegetation changes: we begin to get a foretaste of the gorges and fascinating peaks that will soon characterize the Alta Via.

We walk initially on the ridge, then on the eastern slopes of Mt. Erisetta, following the Alta Via trail northward, continuing to gain elevation. The route proceeds close to the ridge, with the peaks of the Abelliotto and Abellio Mountains on the left, while looking to the right one can admire the wild Barbaira Valley. This is where the stream of the same name flows through the pretty little village of Rocchetta Nervina.
The remains of a castle destroyed in the 12th century and a pleasant view greet those who decide to reach the summit of Mt. Abellio by detour.

Still climbing, now gentler, we tackle the second part of the route to Colla Sgora (1084 m.), the arrival point of the second stage, now surrounded by increasingly alpine vegetation.

Length: 9 km
Height difference in ascent: 650 m
Downhill elevation gain: 80 m
Highest point: 1084 m
Lowest point: 517 m
Type of surface: dirt road

Municipality of departure: Ventimiglia
Starting location: La Colla
Municipality of arrival: Rocchetta Nervina
Place of arrival: Colla Sgora

Recommended period: all year round

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.