next hike (2/2)

Sunday, 19th December:

Corniglia

Given the exceptionally favourable weather, shall we have a twin Xmas crib hike over the weekend? Since Saturday’s exploration of the Viganego nativity scene will be challenging, the idea for Sunday is to have a light hike from Corniglia to Manarola.

The plan, of course, is to stick with the tradition of having our pre-Xmas hike in the Cinque Terre, so as to finish another year in front of the lit Xmas crib of Manarola. Hike is rated “E” and is well described on https://do-in-italy.com/it/il-sentiero-manarola-volastra-corniglia-tra-vigneti-e-terrazzamenti-sul-mare-delle-cinque-terre-2/ (we’ll walk in the opposite direction), it should take 2,5 hours. For those who haven’t yet heard about the lit Xmas crib, Manarola is famous for 15.000 light bulbs, that every December are placed on a hill. They are part of a gigantic Nativity scene, that is laid every year on the hill of the Three Crosses, thanks to the outstanding efforts of now 94-year old Mario Andreoli.

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How to get to Corniglia and how to come back alive:

On Sunday, December 19, let’s meet at the entrance of Corniglia station at 12:01.

Suggested trains are

— for those travelling eastwards

REG 3265
Genova Brignole 10:45 – Corniglia 11:58

— for those travelling westwards

REG 3266
La Spezia 11:50 – Corniglia 12:01

— for those travelling southwards

REG 3015 +
REG 12223 or 3265 – Milano Lambrate 07:32 – Corniglia 11:27/11:58 (*)

Return will be from Manarola, around 5pm.

(*) if you’re coming from afar, you may consider getting the 3 day regional pass for 29 euro. However, I’m not sure it’s valid also for Cinque Terre, so to be on the safe side you might want to buy an extra ticket for the bits between Levanto and Corniglia/Manarola.

As usual, if you have doubts, questions, Hamlet-like dilemmas… feel free to text me! (+39 329 7203364)

next hike

Saturday, 18th December:

Genova Nervi

It’s again that time of the year, when the days are very short and darkness threatens to creep in while we’re still hiking. Normally, it would be the perfect time to do our favourite mountain (that’s Manico del Lume, of course!). However, as we’ve already conquered the peak earlier this year, let’s try a brand new (yet challenging) destination: the Viganego Xmas crib. Located in the Genova woods, literally in the middle of nowhere, this is probably the hardest to reach of famous nativity scenes in Liguria. We’ll try to get there from Genova Nervi, by taking #1 of the Golfo Paradiso trails, from Nervi to Cisiano via Passo Cordona:

Click to access GP_descrizione_sentieri_confoto.pdf

The trail is supposedly highly scenic, with vast views over the Paradise gulf and historical bridges along the way.

Once we’re in Cisiano, we can go on following the trail to Terrusso and Viganego if there’s still light, or take the road otherwise. Return will be by ATP bus, from La Presa stop. Maybe around 6pm?

Hike is rated “E” and should take 5 hours, with 750 metres elevation gain.

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How to get to Genova Nervi, and how to come back alive ***

Let’s meet at 10:37 at Genova Nervi railway station. Please bring food and water with you, so that we can walk right away!

Recommended trains are:

For those travelling eastwards:

Reg 12353 Genova Piazza Principe 10:11 ( Genova Brignole 10:20) Genova Nervi 10:37

For those travelling westwards:

Reg 12218 + Reg 12352 La Spezia 8:15 – Genova Nervi 10:18

For those travelling southwards:

Reg 3015 – 07:25 Milano Lambrate – 09:37 Genova Nervi (*)

Return from La Presa (bus to Brignole) will be around 6:00 pm.

(*) if you’re coming from afar, you may consider getting the 3 day regional pass for 29 euro.

As usual, if you have doubts, questions, Hamlet-like dilemmas… feel free to text me! (+39 329 7203364)