Levanto - Montale - Foce di Montale - Valle Carbonetta (REL trail 570)

The itinerary starts from the flat area of Levanto, around the Ghiare locality or near the railway station, and follows the old paved mule track gently climbing the valley. The first stop is the village of Montale, dominated by the majestic Parish Church of San Siro, one of the most important Romanesque monuments in the area.

After leaving the village of Montale, trail 570 becomes steeper and enters dense woodland of chestnut trees, holm oaks and maritime pines, interspersed with old terraces. A steady climb leads to Foce di Montale at an elevation of about 425 metres, an important ridge pass linking the Levanto valley with the Val di Vara. From this panoramic junction, the route turns downhill into the wild Valle Carbonetta. This cooler and damper slope is crossed by small streams and characterised by lush vegetation and the old ruins of chestnut-drying buildings known as "casoni". The trail follows the Carbonetta stream in an atmosphere of absolute quiet before reconnecting with the valley-floor paths leading back towards the centre of Levanto.

The route develops largely along historic mule tracks and woodland trails. There are no exposed sections, but the descent through Valle Carbonetta may remain damp and slippery throughout the year because of shade and proximity to the streams. Hiking shoes with a lugged sole are recommended, together with particular care on wet cobblestones.