Monte Aiona loop via Prato Mollo and Passo della Spingarda

A beautiful loop around Monte Aiona, described by the contributor as entirely off-road. Start at the forestry station, or a little further up towards Passo dell’Incisa.

Climb to the sawmill in the woods, take the descending road past the barrier and follow it to Re di Coppe, with its small wooden shelter. Continue straight at the junction to the end of the clearing, then take the level path on the left.

A very dangerous loose-scree crossing requires carrying the bike. Do not treat the absence of tarmac as an indication of an easy ride.

Where the path meets the trail climbing to Aiona, descend a few metres and rejoin a traversing path. At a clearing with a roofed shelter, follow the road downhill. Beyond a wooden hut, turn right towards the CAI refuge at Cappella delle Lame.

Take the road on the left past the barrier and continue to another road, turning left again. At the next junction, climb towards Prato Mollo, where the original notes mention refreshments.

Before the refuge, take the left-hand road past a barrier to Passo della Spingarda. There are two options: follow the road to Re di Coppe and return towards Penna, or take the nature trail on the right. The latter begins with a carry up to the top of a climb, followed by the woodland section the contributor considered the best part of the ride.

It returns to Passo dell’Incisa, close to the car. The stated access is the forestry station at Monte Penna and the gravel road towards Passo dell’Incisa.