Climbing the Pisanino peak
Mount Pisanino is the highest peak of the Alpi Apuane, in Tuscany. With an height of 1946 metres above the sea level.
The hike to its top is relatively short, as the whole roundtrip is less than 9 kilometres. But quite demanding, as the path is steep enough to cover more than a 1000m of climb in such a short distance.
When to go to mount Pisanino
Most guides recommend to to the climb between the months of may and June or from September to November. Summer months can get definitely too hot, as the track is mostly under the sun. And the colder times will often present a snowy or icy terrain.
I personally went there on the 20th of april, and there was still ice along the path. Especially on the northern side.
Also, definitely avoid it after rainy days: the steep rocky terrain easily gets very slippery. And it is also covered by a peculiar herb called Paleo: as strong and resistant when green and dry, as it gets dangerous when wet.
Getting to the start of the hike
The starting point of the hike is the Val Serenaia campsite. A couple of kilometres above the town of Minucciano.
As you can see in the following map
After reaching the town, keep following the main road until reaching the campground and its carpark. The only intersection along the way is the one with the road to the village of Ugliancaldo, on the right side. Just keep following the one on the left..
The easier way to get there is definitely by driving. Take the highway exit of Aulla and then following the signs to Minucciano for about 25 kilometres. Or the exit of Capannori if coming from the south, and then follow the SS51.
There is also a small train station in Minucciano itself, but from there you will have to find a way to cover the 12 kilometres to the start of the hike
Reaching the Mount Pisanino’s peak
There are a couple of hiking tracks starting from the same point.
The one you will need to follow is the number 178, marked with a white and red lines.
The fist part of the hike is a steep path through the forest, running on soil between roots and a few rocks. After a while the path splits into two. Keep following the one on the left side, as the one on the right leads to the Orto di Donna mountain lodge. After about 80 minutes of hike, the trees leave space to an open grassland. Featuring some big peculiar boulders and an open view of the rocky cliffs above.
Keep following the path climbing south west all the way to the foce di Cardeto, at the top of the rocky ridge which divides the two valleys located under the two faces of the Pisanino.
From there leave the previous red and white path for the blue one descending on on the left side.
All the way down to the start of the Pisanino ascent
From now running on a rocky and really steep tarrain all the way up to the top.
The path will also go through a feared and well-known traverse long about 20 metres. You will always find good spots for placing hands and feet. So in my opinion not really the trickiest part.
As long as you don’t fear heights and have a good equilibrium!
The following path is less exposed but not much easier, especially when going down.
You should be able to reach the top in about three to four hours.
And admire a nice view on the peaks and valleys around. Hopefully less cloudy than mine!
The top is recognizable by a metal sign placed on a rock, and a little cavern with a statue inside.
From there, simply head back following the same way. Always being careful because of the steep rocky jumps
Cheeky shortcuts to avoid
Going down we got the bad idea a shortcut, a kind of a path we found on an app called Maps me.
Which by the way I discovered when I was in the Philippines. And has always been very useful, especially when travelling!
The track was basically going straight down the Serenaia valley side of the peak, without going all the way around for the first bit. The starting part was not much reliable because of the unstable stones we had to walk on. But overall doable, if progressing holding on the rocky cliff above and some grass.
But the trickiest part was just around the corner, where we found out we had to go down a canal made by the small river. At that time still covered with icy snow. Other than really shaky stones and big boulders.
We still tried to head to the other side of it and attempt to descend from there. But it felt like my life was literally depending on the tufts of grass I was hanging on, and decided to go back to the path.
I lately discovered there was an actual path, called Rio Sambuco channel. Taking its name from the homonymous small stream.
But it is definitely recommended to only expert climbers and the right season.
And possibly for going up instead of down.
I have to admit it has been quite scary. And almost thought about calling an helicopter rescue, again!
And finally, the supposed shortcut ended up making out trip about two hours longer.
But I always find this kind of (mis)adventures an useful way to grow and learn.
If everything ends up well of course!
Always remember the mountain environment can be as dangerous as it is beautiful.
So try to do not overestimate your capabilities. Carefully check ahead the weather, previous hiker’s reports and the track.
And try to follow them!
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