Monte del Gesso - Monte Vangelo Trail

Route characteristics

Route description

The route partly follows the Spallanzani Path, the CAI 604 path and the mud volcanoes path. In the first kilometers there is the possibility of finding hikers and cyclists in good weather. But after more or less three kilometres you leave the "main street" and cross a beautiful badlands area. Continue down towards the Rio Peligaro and then go up the sides of Monte Vangelo, a barren piece where it is easy to see roe deer. The climb is the only slightly complicated stretch of the route. Once you reach the top of Monte Vangelo you continue the path on more crowded stretches. The descent back to Ventoso is partly paved. On days with good weather are very panoramic views of the Apennines. Possibility of stop and lunch at the Monte Vangelo Hunting Club.

Possibility to change and shorten the route through two detours and one variant:

Detour 1: Before arriving at the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Fatima, turn right and take a detour to admire the Pianderna lakes (used for sport fishing). In summer you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the beautiful panoramic swimming pool of the Pianderna Agriwellness estate.. → map

Detour 2: Small variation of the route towards Monte di Sopra, to admire the big Monumental Oak, a multicentennial tree considered one of the most beautiful ones of Emilia Romagna. → map
Variant 3 (route shortening): at the Madonna di Fatima fork, turn right in the direction of Bottegaro so as to reach the Monte Vangelo restaurant-bar. → map

Detailed route:

Start point: Ventoso, parking of via Goti
View of Scandiano
Neighbourhood of Monte del Gesso
Maestà Madonna di Fatima (picnic table)
Detour 1: Pianderna Lakes
Spallanzani Path
Mud Volcano
Detour 2: The Big Oak
Ravines
Rio Peligaro Valley 
Climb toward Monte Vangelo
Monte Vangelo restaurant-bar
Tre Croci
Ventoso Church
Return to the parking