Ascent to Monte Acuto, from Peagna

Departure.

The walk begins in Ceriale: as soon as we enter the village, not many meters after the first traffic circle, we will take Via Cadanzo on the right. In a short time we will reach the parking lot in front of the cemetery, where we leave our car before plunging into the quiet rural atmosphere surrounding it. We then continue on the signposted route among fragrant olive trees and countryside ruins, keeping in the direction indicated by the Torre del Castello Borelli castle.

Itinerary.

The first moment that will make us fall in love with this walk is when we will be able to look out onto the wonderful natural terrace overlooking the sea, kindly offered by the elevation of the path leading to the Castle. It will be useful as well as pleasant to catch one’s breath in the presence of this enchanting view, also because, from here on, the path will only get steeper.

After about an hour, crossing the Mediterranean scrub among maritime pines and heather shrubs, we will arrive at Madonna della Guardia, patroness of the village of Borghetto Santo Spirito (inside the Monte Piccaro Park, located at an altitude of about 280 m). The trail then crosses the summit of Monte Piccaro, continuing along its soft ridge.

Step by step we will leave behind, on our right, the summit of Monte Croce, continuing on a midslope path with a splendid view of Gallinara Island and the town of Albenga. The route continues to develop practically all along the ridge, until it joins the Terre Alte Trail. We will go west following the ridge and then go down a little, descending about 60 m and reaching some high voltage pylons. It will suffice to continue in the same direction to comfortably reach our destination, Monte Acuto, with its 746 m.

The terrain of Monte Acuto is karst, characterized by expanses of rocks in curved, barren, laminated shapes with furrows. On its summit it is easy to lose oneself in contemplation of what appears to be a veritable postcard view. The field of vision lays gently over the pinnata of Albenga, Gallinara Island, but also Borghetto Santo Spirito, Loano, Pietra Ligure, Toirano, and Ballestrino. Precisely for this reason, our advice is to ready yourself with a camera!