Via Ferrata Salvatori at the Pania Forata

Introduction:

This easy ferrata is characterized by being aerial and faithfully following the ridge that rises from the Foce di Petrosciana to the Monte Forato. Given the low altitude it is passable for most of the year.

Starting location:

The starting point for the Ferrata Salvatori is the Alto Mattana hotel in Garfagnana. To reach the bar (it does not offer the possibility to stay overnight), you must reach the Garfagnana from Lucca following the SS 12, then take direction Diecimo first, then Pescaglia. Cross the village of Pascoso and following the signs for "Albergo Alto Mattana" turn left onto a paved road.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

The hike starts at the hut started shortly after the CAI 109, which turns right. We will take this detour remaining on the north wall of Monte Nona. We reach the Foce delle Porchette and, ignoring the deviations, we continue straight on the CAI 109 up to the Foce di Petrosciana (1h 20 'from the parking lot).

Via Ferrata:

At the Foce di Petrosciana there is a marble slab showing the name of the ferrata and indicates the steep access to the via ferrata ignoring the path that runs along the ridge below (we will do it on the way back). Climb some easy rocks until you reach the first cable that runs along a traverse and leads us to an escape route. Continuing on the path of the ferrata, we reach a rocky pulpit to climb up an exposed dihedral of 15 meters that deposits us on a small airy from which we must start uphill on a steep wall with few holds (key passage). We reach a ladder of 5 meters and from here on the technical difficulties end. The ferrata continues on the ridge edge but never difficult until the end of the equipment. Follow the thin trail and reach the top of Monte Forato or as its best known Pania Forata (50 'from the start - 2h 15' from the parking lot).

Descent:

Descend from the Garfagnano side for 40 meters until you cross the marked CAI 110 which we will retrace back to the start of the via ferrata (20 'from the end of the ferrata - 2h 40' from the parking lot). From here we follow the path made in the outward journey back to the car (3h 45 'total).

Notes:

The Salvatori Ferrata is overall easy with only a few more technical passages at the beginning of the route. It is worth mentioning the impressive hole that characterizes the Monte Forato or Pania Fortata which alone deserves the entire trip.

It is possible to rapell down from the arch of Pania Forata (literally holed mountain).

Opportunities:

The Ferrata Salvatori can be linked together with the nearby Via Ferrata of Procinto. The itinerary suggested in this case is present in the report of the Via Ferrata of Procinto.

For various trips in the Apuan Alps we suggest to look at the various paths in the excellent site Webmapp which offers the possibility to plan your trip in the best way.

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