Mount Porcile, volcanic rocks again, with sea view
Mount Porcile is the more prominent of the volcanic mountains of the area, It has an ample and open summit, accessible from the two sends of the ridge, but with steep sides. It is an evocative mountain, for the colours and texture of its stones, the remains of old mines and the itineraries to reach its summit.
This is a proposal for a ring itinerary, starting from Statale, representing perhaps the best synthesis of all the characteristic aspects of these environments.
We start from the tiny village of the Graveglia valley and follow an old service track to abandoned quarries. We reach the flanks of mount Porcile, with remains of old miners’ buildings, then follow the side of the mountains, to reach the ridge between mounts Verruga and Porcile. We steeply ascend to the summit, with great views over the mountains around and the sea, descending on the opposite side. Finally, we follow an old track, passing through suggestive environments, back to Statale.
Mount Porcile
Meeting point: the tiny village of Statale, in the Graveglia valley, that we must reach by own transportation.
Duration: 5-6 hours of hiking, depending on pace; packed lunch is necessary.
Effort: average, with some rough and steep stretches.
Difficulties: none relevant, in ordinary conditions.
Period: year round, in absence of snow. Ideal: spring to autumn.
Additional info
A similar itinerary can start from pass Bocco di Bargone: it is shorter and with lower gradient, so can be done in half a day; it is however somewhat less complete and evocative.
