The frame path between Rapallo and Zoagli

Access

At the Rapallo toll station, park behind the station.

Introduction

When it happened to make the Rapallo - Zoagli crossing, one always used the classic VerdeAzzurro or, in the case of the route between Montallegro and Chiavari, the ridge trail. Now, however, we do a partial combination of the two possibilities, to get to know the parts of the paths (uphill and downhill) that otherwise would have remained unexplored... Of course, it is a bit more tiring this way, because the difference in altitude is greater, but they are always useful inspections to try to combine the best possible itinerary.

Description

Up to the church of Sant'Ambrogio, one faces the VerdeAzzurro: from the seafront, one faces Via Avenaggi and then Via Casale. Having crossed the Aurelia, a couple of old tourist signs (brown with white writing) suggest the exact ascent to the church of Sant'Ambrogio, at an altitude of 192 m. Beyond, one enters the vegetation with an endless series of steps that make one gain height somewhat laboriously. Further on, there is a parapet, which is now in poor condition, and, at the end, there is a votive pillar. Here it is decided to take the variant to Monte Castello, which is clearly visible but, with two antecedents, forces one to lose a little altitude. The summit (666 m) features a solitary cypress tree... Fortified.... Rather than descending with the red markers, we descend without signs to first intercept the convenient ridge path that connects Montallegro and Chiavari. We descend to the Colla saddle (525 m - another sacred shrine). Here, unexpectedly, one climbs up to touch the Cason do Giamin, embellished by a couple of benches. Descending to the Anchetta pass (474 m), there is asphalt and rising again, we come to a stupendous viewpoint (500 m), with a refreshment stop nearby (tot. 3h45). After the rest stop, we descend in the direction of the Madonnetta sanctuary (435 m). It is really pretty and deserves a contemplative stop. Shortly afterwards, having discarded the descent to Chiavari, we keep to the right. The cobblestones are still well preserved and you quickly lose metres until you reach a more man-made area with beautiful little houses alternating with well-maintained strips. You arrive at the church of San Pietro and the descent continues. A few short cuts lead to Zoagli and the railway station (return 1h30 for a total of 5h15), where the train will take you back to Rapallo in just 5 minutes. 

In summary. Dif. E - disl. +750 mt - 12 km for about 5h15 Tot plus all the breaks to see the various places. Walking comfort: sufficient . Best time: autumn to spring. Weather: nice, but cool Tour interest: medium/high 

If you'd like, here's the pdf photo file, with some more news:
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/CorniceRapalloZoagli022.pdf  

... and some single shots too:
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/2203B1Rapallo.jpg
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/2203B2CimaMonteCastello.jpg
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/2203B3SantuarioMadonnettaZoagli.jpg
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/2203B4CastelloSemBenelliZoagli1912.jpg
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/2203B5PanoramaZoagli.jpg  

http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/anno2022.htm
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/altre2022.htm  

NB: in case of an excursion, always check with FIE, Cai, any park authority or other institutions, pro loco, etc., that there have been no changes that have increased the difficulties! No liability is accepted. The present text is purely indicative and not exhaustive. 

Info Hiking Section Cral Galliera: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/esc.htm
trips 2022 at the link: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/gite022.pdf