NIGEL'S RAMBLES: Pathway to an Epitaph

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Pathway to an Epitaph

It has been a horrible autumn so far this year with lots of rain. Sunday seemed to present an isolated day of good weather so I decided to take advantage and take an autumn hike along the Apennines from Passo Pradarena to Passo Romecchio to pay my respects to a particular little monument.

Arriving at the pass the weather did not look too promising with the top of the “Crinale” covered in cloud. Indeed the first hour of my walk took place in the middle of the clouds covering the mountains. However at a certain point when I was beginning to wonder if it was worth carrying on, I saw the mist had started to move in the opposite direction, always a good sign that things are changing. In a matter of minutes the clouds had almost disappeared and I found myself in the middle of a splendid autumn day.

Monte di Soraggio,RE

I was too late this year to see the red sea on certain parts of the mountains that the Myrtle Berries create in autumn, but the bright orange colours of the Beach tree forests was a good substitute. The vast swathes of dead grass also gives a strange fawn colour to the landscape.

Monte Sillano,LU

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After leaving the forest track at Ronco di Fuori this path becomes one of the most spectacular paths in the high Apennines, with some wonderful views all round as one follows the high crest. On one side is the vast glacial circus below Monte di Soraggio and on the other the Alpi Apuane and the Garfagnana. Looking ahead one sees the massive form of Monte Cusna. The steep slopes on each side of the path give you the impression of being very high up above surrounding landscape.