Bellagamba Libro Aperto

Length 10.3 km | Ascent 776 m | Descent -776 m | Highest point 1,946 m

Today we return to the Libro Aperto, with access from the Emilian side, CAI trail signs 495, 00 and 447 with 493 for the return in an anticlockwise ring. You can park in Bellagamba, halfway along the municipal road with little traffic that connects Fiumalbo to Abetone. From here you gradually begin to climb until you meet the Tuscan-Emilian ridge at the height of the Casetta di Lapo, where from June to September you can refresh yourself for lunch with Tuscan specialties. Here we follow the 00 ridge path to the left, which in a good hour and after several ups and downs leads us to a saddle. On the left we would go down to the 495 while instead we continue straight on to the left on the Open Book. Fantastic 360° panorama on both sides of the region. After a gourmet break, head north following CAI 447. The first section is immediately a bit challenging, with an iron cord that helps in descending backwards. Then continue on the ridge that leads to Monte Cimone until you meet path 493 on the left that descends to Bellagamba. At first, the path is very exposed to the west, after which it becomes very steep and then enters the shady forest. After fording a few streams, you then return to the village and the parked car. Challenging route partly because of some somewhat exposed passages and partly because of the fairly steep descent. I would still classify it as EE.