This 18 km scenic tour begins at Colla di Casotto on the SP 178 in the Ligurian coastal hinterland and ends at Colle di San Giacomo.
The route starts directly at the Colla di Casotto pass, where you take the gravel track to the right of the SP 178. The initial section winds through several switchbacks, flanked by trees and bushes on both sides. A very rocky path leads to the first spur, heading up to Bric del Monte Mindino, which features an impressive metal summit cross. The climb is rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Albenga plain.
After this spur, the next section takes you along a farm track past cow pastures and meadows, reaching the high plateau at Colle di Prato Rotondo, an excellent spot for a picnic. From here, the path narrows and ascends over a surface with loose rocks. The route continues through a beech forest, with a section marked by erosion.
The final stretch descends through switchbacks, passing wind turbines that stand right alongside the track, until it ends at a small paved road at Collo di San Giacomo. From here, the route connects directly to the SS 28, which leads down to the coast.
Conditions, closures and tips — from members who drove here recently.
Unfortunately, it was really foggy up there, and there was still snow on the descent, but that wasn't a problem. There are a lot of trees in the way, and in some places it was very muddy. I'd rate the difficulty as somewhere between moderate and challenging. It was fun.
Colle di Prato Rotondo (1,500 m)
German
Italy
