Hiking in the Mid Valley of the Serchio River – Barga

This hike was one of my first proper excursions with a rucksack and it’s for this reason that I feel really attached to it. It will take us through mountains far from any tourist trails and into one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy called Barga (410 m). Barga has won different tourist awards such as the ‘Città Slow’, ‘Bandiera Arancione Touring Club’ and ‘One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’. 

We’ll start our circular route in the town of Barga (410 m) itself. We’ll then follow an old mule track that meanders through wonderful chestnut tree woods up to the peak of the mountains; here there lies an isolated county called Sommocolonia (705 m) where we’ll be rewarded with a breath taking view of the high mountains surrounding us; to one side, the Apuan Alps and to the other, the Apennines. At Sommocolonia we’ll have a rest whilst enjoying the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful place. We’ll then make our way back to Barga via a different route.

Difficulty level: Medium – 8 km – 386m↑ – 365m↓ – 3½ h
Fee: €315.- per group for up to 20 people