Casale – Foce di Sant'Antonio

Trail 51 is an important communication route restored and maintained by volunteers of the Italian Alpine Club. The route starts from the farming village of Casale, a hamlet of the municipality of Pignone known for its traditional agricultural excellence, and climbs the valley slope through dense woodland and hillside areas. The track develops mainly along old forest roads and historic mule tracks, crossing local streams and dry-stone walls. The hike continues with a steady but gradual gradient until it reaches Foce di Sant'Antonio, at 230 metres above sea level, a strategic road and geographical pass. Near the pass stands the historic chapel of the same name and the well-known Grotte di Sant'Antonio, caves formerly used for mining onyx, a calcareous alabaster. From the pass, the route allows hikers to join the paths towards Monte Bardellone or descend towards the coast of Levanto.

• Wear hiking shoes with a non-slip lugged sole. The route includes small and easy crossings of hillside streams, whose rocks and banks can become slippery in damp conditions or after recent rainfall.
• Pay attention to the red-and-white trail markers at junctions with fields and secondary forest roads.
• Carry a water supply, as there are no certified drinking-water sources along the forest route.