Palazzuolo tris

Three descents in the Palazzuolo area. Leave Palazzuolo and climb on asphalt to Passo del Paretaio (long but gradual climb) and here take trail 701 to Ocarello; climb on dirt with some decidedly tough rock and cemented climbs.Near a hunting post, take the trail to the left. Ocarello: a beautiful, very varied, technical trail with steep, steps and rock slabs, a few climbs (one in particular, short but pushy) and then the very flowing final section.

When you reach Palazzuolo, turn right for Quadalto and after the small village and church, keep left to climb to the church of Lozzole. Gradual ascent on asphalt and then dirt road, with some tears in the final stretch. At the church of Lozzole, take a left and climb to Monte Prevaligo (Cai 505, some hard tears on dirt and rock cart track).At Prevaligo, leave the 505 and keep right following the track of the wild boar trail (blue stickers). Start a fun stretch on ridge with some technical passages, but very flowing until you reach the dirt road leading to Praticino and the provincial road (left).

After a short stretch at Fantino you take a road to the left that climbs gradually towards Poggio Renzuola. This is a private road, but we had no problems with access (only a few dogs in the final stretch: barking dogs don't bite). Some hard scrambles in the final part before rejoining Cai 505. Keep right and follow 505 to Cavalmagra, here left to Poggio Valicava. Fast singletrack with a few technical passages but generally smooth until Palazzuolo.