From Vagli Sotto (600 mt a.s.l) the route goes up to the town of Vagli Sopra, from here the dirt road (CAI path no. 177) climbs to reach Campocatino (1000 mt. a.s.l.). The footpath climbs keeping right of the meadows towards Passo della Tombaccia. The scenery changes rapidly; dry and lunar, it points out one of the aspects of the karst marvel of Apuan Alps chain. Arriving at Passo della Focolaccia the impact with the most important economic activity may be annoying. The marble quarries have cut through the peaks leaving white scars on the mountain.

The CAI footpath no. 179 leads to Foce di Cardeto then opens in the valley of Orto di Donna, from here follow the footpath CAI no. 178, downhill, to reach Val Serenaia. Accommodation is possible in Rifugio Donegani or in Rifugio Val Serenaia.

The mountain hut “Orto di Donna” (tel +39 347 3663542) located at Cava 27, just below the Passo delle Pecore, on the CAI path no. 179, can be an interesting point of support for those wishing to descend towards the Lunigiana Valley at the Equi Terme railway station.

Overnight stay:

Rifugio Guido Donegani tel +39 340 2851088
Rifugio Val Serenaia tel +39 328 0136377

Nearby Overnight stay:

Rifugio Orto di Donna – Loc. Cava 27 tel +39 347 3663542 apertura estiva
Farm House Da Pasquino – Loc. Perdetola tel +39 348 564 4430

Walking Time: 7 hrs
Lenght: 12 km
Elevation gain:
↑ Uphill 950 m
↓ Downhill 450 m
Difficulty: High level

Campocatino