アヴェト自然地域公園の峠・トップ4

Situated at 956 meters between the Vara and Aveto Valleys, the Bocco Pass is one of the historic passes of the Ligurian Apennines, used since ancient times as a connection between the Tyrrhenian coast and the Po Valley hinterland. Already in Roman times, it was part of a secondary transit network, but it was especially in the Middle Ages and modern times that the pass assumed a central role in local traffic: a route for merchants, shepherds, and pilgrims, it connected Chiavari and the Riviera with Varese Ligure and the Emilian plains. Traces of the ancient paving are still visible today in the surrounding woods. During the Second World War, the area served as a refuge for partisan groups, thanks to its secluded location and dense forest cover. Today, the pass is a destination for cyclists and hikers, immersed in an unspoiled mountain landscape of beech and fir forests and highland meadows, at the gateway to the Aveto Regional Natural Park.

Easy ascent to the top of Monte Penna. From Passo dell'Incisa, the A5 route winds through the beech forest, making it feasible even in the hot season. The slope is not slight (20-25%) but considering the limited distance it is feasible. We did this route with our 6-year-old daughter (already accustomed to mountain walks) without any particular effort. For children this is the path to take, the one that starts from Casermette del Monte Penna is not recommended due to the via ferrata which makes it decidedly less suitable. NOTE: Passo dell'Incisa can be reached by car by carefully following a dirt road (about 1.4 km from the junction on Strada Provinciale 75)

Handsome

The section in the Metropolitan City of Genoa (formerly the Province) has been asphalted. The one in the Province of La Spezia continues to be a disaster!

Crossing point of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri and starting point for excursions to the Penna and Aiona mountains. The history of this place seems to be linked to the Latin term "incido," which means "cut." It is said that the Romans, tired of the resistance of the Ligurian tribes, decided to cut down the Apennine forests to weaken them. The Ligurians were masters of guerrilla warfare, while the Romans preferred the open field, and the removal of trees would have facilitated their strategy.

Crossing point of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri.

First piece 2/3 km stretches with ramps over 10%. Afterwards it becomes pedalable. After Cassego it picks up again although less than the beginning but longer, about 5km. Once you reach Colla Craiolo the slope is less steep, the last 2 km or so. Then the descent to Bocco is very beautiful. Not one of the best climbs but worth trying, a bit of training is needed. The surface is not optimistic, going slowly downhill, potholes and poorly maintained asphalt, parts covered by woods and otherwise.

For the "downhill" enthusiasts, descending from the Bocco is pure pleasure .... but always with the necessary prudence and concentration!