The proposed route follows La Via dei Monti or “Mountain Way”. It starts out from the centre of the village of Montecreto, going up to the arrival point of Montecreto chairlift and then continuing to Lake Rovinella and the area of the “Far West”.
If you wish, you can extend the itinerary by climbing to the summit of Mount Cervarola, to admire the view of Mount Cimone.
At the beginning, the itinerary coincides with CAI (Italian Alpine Club) trail no. 459, as far as the “Solitary Pine”. From here, it continues along the Via dei Monti (the Mountain Road).
After reaching the arrival point of the chairlift, you carry on, passing by the small Lake Rovinella, commonly known as the “Lake of the Newts”, after the crested newts that live there.
When you get to the Far West, you will suddenly find yourself transported into a landscape that seemingly has nothing to do with the Apennines – rocky ridges rising from the ground to form a canyon, recalling the landscapes of the Far West of the USA, hence the name. It is a great area to stop for a rest, admire the panorama and perhaps have a picnic.
If you carry on walking, within about half an hour you will come to the Esperia Botanical Gardens and Passo del Lupo.
This is a challenging route, given the difference in altitude and length, but it can be done by all.
The Far West can also be easily reached from the arrival point of the Stellaro chairlift and is therefore recommended to families for a less strenuous day out.
