Walking in Tuscany's Apuane Alps

Make your own way by train from Pisa to Fornaci di Barga meaning “The cave of clay”. The small town derived its name from the solitary brick kiln, which existed in the area before 1915. From here catch views of Monte Penna, Gragno and Cardoso. Today the town is more famous for its copper works. Accommodation: Stay in a small old style 2* hotel, centrally located and about 5 minutes walk away from the train station. It is simply furnished, but very clean and all rooms are en-suite.

An early morning start for your walk today, which will take you mostly through woods from Fornaci to Verni. Passing the River Serchio, you ascend to Cardoso, a medieval hamlet with a beautiful Roman church. As the footpath climbs, the vegetation changes from oaks to chestnuts. Just after the grotto of Casteltendine there is a superior vantage point from a rock with a cross, which affords a wonderful view of the highest summits of the Apennines, including Giovo, Rondinaio and Tre Potenze. Passing a little shepherd's hamlet, you make your way to Verni (732m) a very charming and picturesque hilltop home to a mere 80 inhabitants, who are spoilt for choice with no less than four churches and many little chapels, which bear testimony to its rich past. Overnight near Verni. Perhaps visit the old ruins of a castle from where there are splendid views. There are some authentically intact old streets. Ascent 1005m / Descent 515m. Accommodation: This is spent in a lovely family run farm house near Verni, these are apartments with their own bathroom. There is a swimming pool, a sauna and a patio or balcony with amazing views.

This is a beautiful walk, taking in the historic hilltop town of Trassilico where you can admire the views from the castle walls across the valley and down to Verni. Having descended through the village, and perhaps having an ice cream, pick up the undulating trail that strikes along the hillsides past abandoned farms, eventually leading to the mountain village of San Pellegrinetto; a great place for a picnic. You overnight in the typical Apuane village of Fornovolasco where you have three nights. Ascent 674m / Descent 694m. Accommodation: The next 3 nights are spent in a small guesthouse located in a typical house of Fornovolasco. 2 bathrooms are shared by the 2 rooms. Paola, the very friendly host cook delicious regional food.

Today’s walk is a long climb up to Monte Forato (1223m) and its amazing views of the Versilia region and towards the Mediterranean, the woods and Apuane villages below. There are two options from here: either an easy ascent or a longer footpath to Monte Forato, a splendid natural arch. There is a great view of Procinto with its perpendicular rock-face and Monte Nona from here. Continue until just under the Pania, which from below is rather breathtaking, then descend along a footpath by abandoned houses to Fornovolasco. Ascent 790m / Descent 790m.

Begin the day with a short walk around Fornovolasco, then onward to visit the famous Grotta del Vento, with its internal lakes, stalagmites and stalactites. After lunch you could use the maps to follow an easy strada bianca offering gorgeous views of the Turrite river, and Trassilico. Return to Fornovolasco. Distance varies depending on where you go, but it is meant to be an easy day because tomorrow is the hardest day.

If the weather is good and you are up for a hard day we recommend the ascent of Pania della Croce (1860m), with a 1400m difference in altitude. This 9-11 hour walk involves a reasonably tough ascent, but the reward is definitely worth the effort in the view over the sea, the marble quarries, the Apennines and the Apuanes. This view is yours only if you reach the summit (and the weather is kind)! The way winds up on a good footpath with sometimes stunning views; it makes its way up through pleasant woods to Piglionico, which has a chapel dedicated to the Partisans who fell in the area during World War 2. A footpath takes you to the beech forest boundary, where, in a basin between the two summits, Pania Secca and Pania della Croce, you find Rifugio Rossi. Another hour’s walk will take you to either of the two summits, but the view from Pania della Croce is much more pleasing. Descent to Rifugio Rossi and onto the 11th century hermitage of Eremo di Calomini, with its community of monks. Ascent 1500m / Descent 1649m. As part of the route up and down is the same this day can readily be shortened tp 11km especially if the weather is closing in. There is also a shorter alternative today following the Valley of the Turrite River, once again with good views. Accommodation: Tonight is spent in an Agriturismo,100m from the monastery.The comfortable rooms are en-suite. A tasteful dinner is served in the restaurant which boasts panoramic views.

You will pass through Gallicano. Although perhaps not as attractive as the other villages on the route, there is a neo-gothic aqueduct and a beautiful Roman church worth a visit. Some people have taken the bus from Gallicano to the attractive town of Barga and then walked back to Fornaci di Barga. (approx 6 km extra). Or they have taken the bus or train from Gallicano to Fornaci de Barga. Options are provided with your route notes. Accommodation: Return to the same hotel used at the beginning of the tour.

After breakfast make your way to the train station for your onward journey. If you are extending to Lucca, make your way to the train station with your luggage and catch the train to Lucca.