Ceriale – The Ring of Piccaro
For our first chapter of this new adventure we reached Ceriale , in the Ligurian west.
This village is famous for its sea, its beautiful dock and its water park. Ceriale holds another ace in the hole: a wonderful land, rich with trails for all kinds of trekkers , a whole ground ready for exploration!
We decided to christen LiguriaTrekkingeXperience with one of the most scenic routes of the area. We are talking about the Ring of Piccaro , a short and easy path, ideal to start this travel and discover trekking in Liguria!
Data of the trail
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: E. Easy trail
DURATION: 1 H
DROP: 281 m
Description of the route
Monte Piccaro is a headland overlooking Capo di Borghetto and Ceriale. Along its paths we can have wonderful views along the coast and the sea laying at the foot of the mount like a carpet.
While walking we can admire the colors and smells of the Mediterranean scrub where junipers, moor, thyme bushes and a large number of strawberry trees grow naturally.
The wildlife population is varied too: during our trips it quite often happens to meet deer, roes and several species of birds.
A small white tabernacle stands on the top of the mount and acts as a landmark even from the coast. We can take a ring-shaped route from the sea near Ceriale until an altitude of 281 m. to reach it.
Thanks to a small height difference, an excellent geographical south position and to the easy route, this trail is for all kind of trekkers who can walk it all the year long. Even in a sunny winter day just like we are having!
Leaving from the top whoever can go on until the sanctuary of the Madonna della Pace (or sanctuary of Monte Acuto) along a trail with several ridges.
Directions
The departure is at the cemetery parking in Ceriale: while looking at the CAI signposts (a clearly visible red square) we keep on walking along the great route.
15 minutes later we meet a dirt little road crossing the trail. We take this path and we walk up to the top after about 30 minutes. Then we can come back by following the same CAI signposts.
As we have already said, the route is easy and the CAI signs are simple to locate.
Yet it is safer to walk with a guide especially if we decide to face this trail in the evening.
Our advice is to go there in the morning or in the afternoon not to lose the way and enjoy the scenic views that this route offers.
Suggested equipment
The dirt little road is dug in the water. So it is important to wear suitable shoes, like trekking shoes or hiking boots. We also advice to use trekking poles to hold the ground.
Lastly as the top of the mount is very ventilated, we suggest to bring some wind clothing with you.
Here is the list of Ceriale's accommodations where you can stay:
Click here