SI L22

In front of the small hotel refuge of Prato Spilla, follow trail 705 which runs along the ski slopes until reaching the Capanne Biancani, then veers west toward the gap between Torricella and Crinale. Upon reaching the Passo di Giovarello, continue west on trail 00. Here, the ridge path begins, leading to the summits of the Monti Bragalata, Losanna, Sillara, Paitino, and Matto, offering wide panoramas of the Apuan Alps, the Ligurian Sea, and to the north, the Alpine chain, while beneath us a long series of small lakes, typical of the Parmense Apennines, unfolds. From the saddle of Matto, descend to Lake del Bicchiere (trail 717), from where a short distance leads to Passo Fugicchia, where it intersects with trail 715, which descends westward revealing the beautiful basin of Val Badignana. After passing the generous Fontana del Vescovo, continue downhill along trail 715A, which, skirting Monte Brusà, allows crossing (trail 719) from Badignana to Alta Valparma, then reaching the Passo delle Guadine on the ridge. Continuing along the ridge trail 00, ascend to the summit of Monte Aquila, then descend to the namesake Passo from which, shortly, trail 719A will take us to Sella dello Sterpara. From here, following westward on trails 719 and then 723, descend to Lago Santo Parmense, where on its western shore lies the welcoming Rifugio CAI Giovanni Mariotti. This stage unfolds entirely within the Tosco-Emiliano Apennine National Park.