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Bivouac Tornini

The shelters and bivouacs in Bagnone

Magical places to stop and rest in Lunigiana, among the peaks of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park

Lunigiana
by  Lunigiana

Staying for a few days in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park is certainly one of the best ways to discover its natural beauty and immerse yourself day and night in nature: an adventure for young and old alike.

In addition to the classic accommodation facilities, in the mountain territory of the municipality of Bagnone, it is in fact possible to enjoy 5 recently restored superb bivouacs. Bivouacs, by definition, are structures that are always open and available for the hiker who wants to reach them as the destination of a single excursion or as a stage point for a several-day itinerary.

The bivouacs are always well-equipped and can be used autonomously free of charge, but always with awareness and appropriate equipment. For those who wish to stay overnight, it is always recommended to use your personal sleeping bags and mattresses. It is also essential to leave the bivouac tidy and clean after use so that it can be ready and available to accommodate the next hiker.

Discover the 5 bivouacs in Bagnone, ordered below by length and difficulty of the route.

Contents
  • 1.
    Garbia Bivouac
  • 2.
    Fagianelli Bivouac
  • 3.
    Tornini Bivouac
  • 4.
    Matale Bivouac
  • 5.
    Baton Bivouac

Garbia Bivouac

Garbia Bivouac
Garbia Bivouac - Credit: Lunigiana World

Starting location: Iera, Municipality of Bagnone
Length: 3 km
Duration: 2 hours
Height difference: +400m

To reach the departure point, from the Pontremoli or Aulla motorway exit, follow the signs for Bagnone. Once passed through the village, continue towards Iera. Just past the village of Iera, at the bridge crossing the Bagnone stream, you will find the signs for CAI path no. 116. The itinerary, which in the initial part follows that for the Tornini Bivouac, skirts the Bagnone torrent, which in this stretch creates splendid pools and waterfalls.

Shortly before reaching the bivouac, there is a ford, which in periods of melting snow or heavy rain can be a particularly challenging route. Once this last obstacle has been overcome, it takes a total of about two hours to reach the Garbia bivouac, an old shelter for shepherds during the transhumance, recently renovated and equipped with a stove and light.

Fagianelli Bivouac

Fagianelli Bivouac
Fagianelli Bivouac - Credit: Lunigiana World

Starting location: Vico Valle, Municipality of Bagnone
Length: 4 km
Duration: 2 hours
Height difference: +450m

To reach the starting point, from the Pontremoli or Aulla motorway exit, follow the signs for Bagnone. Once passed through the village, continue towards Vico, and then turn left towards Vico Valle, leaving your car in the car park near the village.

Leaving the built-up area of Vico Valle, continue on foot along a dirt road in the direction of Mulini di Vico. After crossing the bridge over the Redivalle stream, take CAI path no. 122 with signs for Bivacco Fagianelli. The itinerary first follows the course of the Redivalle torrent, which flows downwards with evocative waterfalls, such as the Pungitopo waterfall, and then enters chestnut woods and dry-stone walls. Shortly before reaching the bivouac, it is necessary to ford the Redivalle torrent: the descent to the torrent is assisted by a metal handrail, while the crossing of the torrent can be particularly challenging during melting snow or heavy rain.

From the bivouac, which is equipped with a water fountain, grill, stove and air mattresses, it is possible to reach the imposing Fagianelli Waterfall via a track for experienced hikers.

Tornini Bivouac

Tornini Bivouac
Tornini Bivouac - Credit: Lunigiana World

Starting location: Iera, Municipality of Bagnone
Length: 5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Height difference: +750m

To reach the departure point, from the Pontremoli or Aulla motorway exit, follow the signs for Bagnone. Once passed through the village, continue towards Iera. Just past the village of Iera, at the bridge crossing the Bagnone stream, you will find signs for CAI path no. 116.

The itinerary alternates between stretches of path and dirt road and crosses marvelous beech woods with evident charcoal pits. Passing first by the Garbia bivouac, it continues to the Tornini bivouac equipped with water, grill, stove.

Matale Bivouac

Matale Bivouac
Matale Bivouac - Credit: Lunigiana World

Starting location: Vico Monterole, Municipality of Bagnone
Length: 4.5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Height difference: +800m

To reach the starting point, from the Pontremoli or Aulla motorway exit, follow the signs for Bagnone. Once passed through the village, continue towards Vico, Monterole village. The itinerary follows CAI path no. 120: crossing an ancient aqueduct, you will be immersed in luxuriant vegetation, with chestnut, fir and turkey oak woods accompanying you along the way.

A steady ascent will take you to the bivouac, where you will enjoy a breathtaking panorama in a rustic, but cozy, environment, equipped with water, stove, grill and 7 beds.

Baton Bivouac

Baton Bivouac
Baton Bivouac - Credit: Lunigiana World

Starting location: Treschietto, Municipality of Bagnone
Length: 5.5 km
Duration: 3 hours 30 min
Height difference: +900m

To reach the starting point, from the Pontremoli or Aulla motorway exit, follow the signs for Bagnone. Once passed through the village, continue towards Treschietto. Park near La Stele Hostel and take CAI Path no. 118 on a dirt road with signs for Capanne Baton-Passo di Badignana.

In the first section of the route, you proceed along a dirt road with gentle slopes, while, having passed a barrier, the itinerary changes completely with considerable gradients, two exposed points and equipped with chains, so it is recommended for experienced hikers.

The bivouac, equipped with two beds without mattresses, electricity and a stove (water is available at a spring along the route) is an excellent base for several-day hikes along the Sentiero Italia and the Alta Via dei Parchi.

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