Aided path Monte Gendarme

Introduction:

The Aided path of Monte Gendarme is an trip that extends on the ridge of the Tuscan Emilian Apennines near the Passo del Cerreto. The hike goes up the beautiful Vallone dell'Inferno and allows you to reach - at the two ends of the valley - Monte La Nuda (1895 m) and Monte Gendarme (1872 m). The short aided path goes up the last stretch before Monte Gendarme.

Starting location:

As in many cases, there are several starting points. However, the most beaten path starts from Passo del Cerreto (1261 m) where there are ample parking and refreshment opportunities. The pass reaches from Reggio Emilia or from Aulla (A15) along the SS 63.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

Left the car, follow the trail of path 00 that goes up the Vallone dell'Inferno and reaches the ridge after passing the Rosario Shelter (1h 30 '). Reached the ridge it is possible to climb to the left towards Monte La Nuda (15 ') or to the right follow the CAI 94 which runs along the valley and reaches the base of the rocky wall of Monte Gendarme (1h 45' from the parking lot).

Via Ferrata:

The aided stretch helps to overcome grade II passages and takes us to the top of Monte Gendarme (2h total). The view deserves a break. To the west the Apuan Alps stand out, to the north-west the gulf of La Spezia can be seen, to the west the Tuscan-Emilian ridge and the Alpe di Succiso continue. to the northeast it is possible to see Monte Cusna.

Descent:

Along the way forward (1h 30 'from the summit - 3h 30' total).

Notes:

The trip is relatively simple and the itinerary on the Emilian side is well marked. The short via ferrata can be ideal for a novice who wants to increase his experience, given the possibility of taking the aided route both uphill and downhill.

Opportunities:

After the trip and returned to the car, it is possible to connect the trip to Monte Gendarme to the ferratas of Pietra di Bismantova (1 hour by car): la Ferrata degli Alpini and the Ferrata dell'Ultimo Sole. In fact the SS 63 of Cerreto crosses Castelnuovo ne Monti and soon reach Piazzale Dante and from there take one of the two proposed itineraries.

For those who are preparing to take this trip, it may be very useful to download the smartphone application "Trails App"produced by GeoMedia which collects maps of the Reggio and Parma area. The app is available both in version iPhone which Android.