Case Cadato - Punta Leccio - Casa I Podi - Monte Piano - Monte Pistone - Cappella Taddei - Pian del Monio - Vignana

This long itinerary is a broad panoramic ridge and mid-slope route entirely within the municipality of Levanto. The trail starts from the hillside locality of Case Cadato, a junction and boundary point with the Framura area, and initially climbs towards the watershed of Punta Leccio. From here it continues along the wooded ridge, reaching Casa I Podi and beginning a decisive climb over the summits of Monte Piano and Monte Pistone, the latter an important peak of the La Spezia Apennines rising to nearly 723 metres above sea level. Beyond the summit line, characterised by broad two-sided views between the mountain hinterland and the gulf, the route begins descending along the seaward slope. The trail passes close to the old Cappella Taddei, crosses the grassy basin of Pian del Monio, historically used by the old trade routes of the Via dei Monti, and finally enters the stone houses and cultivated terraces of Vignana, a hillside hamlet of Levanto.

• It is essential to wear structured hiking boots with a lugged sole: the route alternates stone mule tracks, woodland terrain and rocky passages that can become very slippery in damp conditions or rain.
• As this is a traverse of more than 8 kilometres that develops for a long distance at altitude along the Monte Pistone ridges, there are no certified intermediate drinking-water sources: carry a full water supply from the starting point.
• The section between Monte Pistone and Pian del Monio crosses woodland and clearings where vegetation, mainly ferns and brambles, can become thick in late spring; long trousers are recommended.
• In thick fog on the mountain ridge, orientation may become difficult; download the GPS tracks in advance for offline use.