SI L23

From the Mariotti Refuge, follow the southern shore of Lake Santo Parmense along trail 723, which was previously taken downhill; upon reaching the Pine Forest of Lake Santo, continue along trail 729, which, after passing Lake Padre, leads to the basin of the high Val Braiola where the Roberto Schiaffino or del Braiola Hut is located. Descending along trail 727, you will soon reach a fork where you can connect to 727A, which you follow uphill until reaching Foce del Fosco. After bypassing Monte Orsaro, continue downhill and then on a level path along trail 725 until you reach Bocchetta del Tavola, from where you can access trail 00 that leads to the unexpected meadows of Monte Tavola before descending to Passo del Cirone. From here, continue along 00 until the stage destination: after crossing the provincial road SP 42, follow the trail towards Monte Borgognone, which you circumnavigate; by continuing on the dirt road, you'll pass by Monte Beccaro before climbing to the summit of Monte Fontanini. Heading northwest, you will go around Groppo del Vescovo before ascending through the meadows to Monte Valoria (a meeting point with the Via Francigena), from where you can quickly reach Passo della Cisa. From the Pass, take SP 62 towards Berceto to reach the Tugo Hostel (distance 2.5 km with an ascent of 40 m and a descent of 106 m). The hostel can also be reached from Monte Valoria (distance 2.7 km, with an ascent of 12 m and a descent of 254 m); this option saves a distance of 1800 m and elevation gain and loss of about 65 m compared to the first. The stage is within the Tosco-Emiliano Apennine National Park until after Monte Fontanini and just before Groppo del Vescovo.