Middle Val di Vara Trail (Pignone - Casale - Faggiona - Cassana)

The itinerary begins in the historic centre of Pignone, an old TCI Orange Flag village known for its medieval bridges and long agricultural tradition. After leaving the settlement, the trail starts climbing the hillside along old mule tracks once used for chestnut harvesting and woodland management.

The first stop is Casale, a small rural hamlet perched on the slope and retaining a strong identity linked to local stone. Continuing at mid-slope with steady gradients, the route cuts across the mountainside, alternating open areas with dense chestnut, holm-oak and hornbeam woods, until it reaches Faggiona, another fine example of spontaneous architecture in the La Spezia hinterland.

From Faggiona, the trail continues along a secondary ridge, offering broad views over the Pignone stream valley and, in the distance, the Ligurian Apennines. The final section descends gently and pleasantly, crossing old dry-stone walls and small cultivated plots until it enters Cassana, a historic hamlet divided into several clusters and overlooking the western side of the middle Val di Vara.

The route develops on mixed terrain, alternating unpaved woodland sections with old mule tracks and short asphalted rural road connections near the villages. It has no technical difficulties, exposed passages or equipped sections. However, the overall distance requires a minimum level of walking fitness. During wetter seasons and in autumn, the thick layer of dry leaves and clay in the woodland can make the ground slippery; hiking footwear with a lugged sole and trekking poles are recommended.