NIGEL'S RAMBLES: Third time lucky at the Alpe di Succiso

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Third time lucky at the Alpe di Succiso

I have tried on two other occasions to arrive on top of the Alpe di Succiso in the province of Reggio Emilia, but the weather has on both occasions defeated me. This time I made it.

The Alpe di Succiso like Cusna is over 2000 metres and sits behind the main mountain chain that divides Emilia from Tuscany, it is also one of the least accessible mountains to be found in this stretch of the Apennines. Getting to the top means at least a tree hour trek.

Monte Casarola - Alpe di Succiso, RE

La Nuda, Cerreto, RE from Passo Scaluccia

This time I chose a longer but easier and more scenic route to the top.

Leaving the car at Passo Dello Scaluccia I took the CAI 667 footpath as far as the Buca del Moro. Here I then took the 669 footpath to the Rio Pascolo refuge, which is to be found at the start of the glacial valley that leads up to the Sella di Monte Casarola. This first part of the walk through the forest below the mountain is on an almost level footpath. It is also quite boring.

Buca, Del Moro, RE

Buca del Moro, RE

After the refuge the fun starts. The glacial valley rises in steps from 1600 meters to over 1900 metres.

It is quite hard work to get to the top. This valley is very scenic with the contras between the grey rock and the lush vegetation. The crisp morning light brought out the autumn colours of the myrtle berry plants that form the vegetation here.

Rio Pascolo, RE

The glacial valley below the Sella di Casarola, RE

After reaching the Sella and after a short rest, it was time to push on towards the Alpe.

The footpath runs along a narrow crest with nice views on both sides which curves round and up to the Alpe.

Sella di Casarola, RE

Between Sella di Casarola and Alpe di Succiso, RE

The views from the Alpe are fantastic, particularly impressive is the view across to the Groppo di Camporaghena.

Alpe di Succiso, RE

Monte Casarola from Alpe di Succiso, RE

Groppo di Camporaghena from Alpe di Succiso, RE

Groppo di Camporaghena.

Groppo di Camporaghena from Alpe di Succiso, RE

Groppo di Camporaghena and Monte Acuto from Alpe di Succiso, RE

Groppo di Camporaghena from Alpe di Succiso, RE

Alpe di Succiso, RE

The weather had now started to change as it often does up here. So it was time to retrace my steps back to the car. Being all downhill or flat it took me much less time than I had anticipated to get back to Passo Scaluccia. Looking back the mountains were now covered with cloud.