Lavaggiorosso - Foce di Lavaggio (REL trail marker 572)

The trail starts from the characteristic village of Lavaggiorosso, a cluster of colourful houses perched on the rock and worth visiting before setting out. Leaving the settlement behind, the itinerary, marked CAI / REL 572, begins a decisive and steady climb within the valley.

The first part of the route crosses typical Ligurian terraces cultivated with olive trees and vines and supported by traditional dry-stone walls, before gradually entering woodland dominated by chestnut trees and maritime pines. As elevation increases, the environment becomes cooler and wilder. The climb ends at Foce di Lavaggio, at 513 metres above sea level. This wooded saddle is an important hiking crossroads because it joins trail 501, formerly trail no. 1 and the Alta Via delle Cinque Terre ridge variant, offering the possibility of continuing either towards Monte San Nicolao or in the direction of Monte Bardellone and the Sanctuary of Madonna di Soviore.

The route develops along a historic mule track and an unpaved trail with a steady and pronounced gradient. There are no exposed sections, but the surface may be uneven or slippery because of leaves and woodland humidity, especially during winter months or after recent rainfall. Hiking shoes with good grip and telescopic poles are recommended to assist the climb.