Monte Ventasso e punta Salaria

Departure from Cerverezza where we reach the summit of Ventasso from the Santa Maria Maddalena bivouac after backpacking bike section of about 30 minutes on a steep and in some places exposed trail. Also pay attention to the section before arriving at the Refuge where the ravaneto has points of subsidence and immediately after turning it the ground is sagging at the point of the parapet. From the summit there is a beautiful panorama with views of the middle Secchia valley with the Pietra di Bismantova in clear view, many Apennine peaks such as Cusna, Cimone, Cavalbianco, Nuda on Cerreto Laghi and glimpses of some Apuan peaks such as Sumbra and Tambura.

The descent from the summit is not particularly difficult but one must be careful of exposed sections and pedestrians coming up from Lake Calamone below. Near Mount Pastorale we decide to climb the wooded peak Punta Saltaria, the path is totally cyclable and fun becoming then a steep roadway that takes us to the road leading to the lake. From the latter following the Cai 663 in the first part very steep we reach again the Bivacco Santa Maria where through the Cai 661 we descend on the Via Nazionale towards the cars.

This last descent is the most challenging of the tour where a good ability is also needed due to the condition of the trail, which is not in excellent condition. Of note is the total state of neglect of the bike park trails and the carelessness of the Santa Maria bivouac left very dirty by frequent visitors.