Ippovia HORSEBACK TRAIL
The Ippovia (Horseback Trail) of the Nure and Arda Valleys runs for 136 kilometres through landscapes of unspoilt beauty and remarkable beauty. The well-marked circuit connects to the east with the Horseback Trail of the Taro and Ceno Valleys, on the border between the provinces of Parma and Piacenza. After leaving the natural beauty of the Stirone Park, it climbs the hills towards Vigoleno and its medieval village. There are several sections of the Horseback Trail in the municipality of Vernasca.
1 - Mount Cergallina
Two circular routes begin from the hamlet of Cergallina, where the farm of the same name is located. The first route touches Poggio del Corno, Vigoleno, Trinità and returns to Cergallina. Approximately 10.6 km can be covered at a slow pace in 2.5 hours. Some stretches also allow trotting and a small gallop. Along the road there are 500 m of asphalt, the rest of the route passes through vineyards, cultivated fields, gentle slopes and scenic areas. The route is not particularly difficult, but some terrain can become treacherous in the event of heavy rain. Watering is provided by the Borreca stream near Case Ginepro. The second route is the same as the previous one up to Trinity, then immediately leaves it for Case Zampora, Silvani, Ca’ Magotta, where the presence of humans is less evident. It is about 10.4 km, which takes about three hours. Non-demanding route, within everyone’s reach. The stretch between Trinity and Case Zampora runs along the bank of the River Stirone
2 - mignano
Distance: about 13.5 km, which can be covered in 3 ½ hours. The greatest difficulties are represented by parts with considerable altitude differences, such as the ascent to Monte Vidalto (809 m a.s.l.), from where you can enjoy the view of the Mignano dam, and the steep descent that leads to the crossing of the River Arda; here the ground is stony and in the event of heavy rain the ford becomes challenging. After crossing the Arda, a paved section leads to Monastero where horses and riders can stop and refresh themselves.
These localities have always found subsistence in agricultural cultivation wrested from the mountains. It was these difficult living conditions that led, as in almost all the most inaccessible areas of the Apennines, to strong migratory flows that almost depopulated the old villages, which now return to life in the summer months as holiday destinations.
For up-to-date information on routes, excursions and other horse riding activities, please contact Giulia Ferrari of Cergallina Horses on 338 494 7762.EVENTS IN VIGOLENO
WE ARE IN THE UPPER VAL D'ARDA
The Alta Val d’Arda is the easternmost Apennine part of the valley in the province of Piacenza, bordering on the province of Parma.
It has the irresistible charm of a land waiting to be discovered: a treasure chest of history, art, nature and flavours, for those who love to travel far from mass tourism.
