STAGE 4: Colle Scarassan – Colla d’Agnaira ( 12 km)(Stage 1 of section 2 on the online guidebook
www.altaviainfoh24.com
)

The 4th stage of the Alta via dei Monti Liguri in trekking winds along old military mule tracks, on the sides of imposing mountains, in an atmospheric alpine setting.

The trail starts from Colle Scarassan and after 1 km reaches Muratone Pass, the crossroads of many trekking routes. We are at the border with France and can still see, on the transalpine side, the old bars and border post signs.

The route now begins to gain altitude: we reach 1400 m. at the Crow Gorge, a rock notch on the Rio Bendola, one of the fantastic wild corners of the Roja Valley. A flat section alternating with slight ups and downs anticipates the ascent to the Passo di Fonte Dragurina (1810 m.), reached at km 8.2.
We are on the most fascinating portion of the stage, with views that project us to the sea and the Nervia Valley.

Descending to the Incisa Pass, we go back up for another two and a half kilometers to the Sella d’Agnaira, the stage’s finishing point.

Length: 12 km
Height difference in ascent: 960 m
Downhill elevation gain: 240 m
Highest point: 1910 m
Lowest point: 1157 m
Type of surface: dirt road

Municipality of departure: Pigna
Starting location: Scarassan Hill
Municipality of arrival: Pigna
Place of arrival: Colla d’Agnaira

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.