Salt has been one of the most valuable minerals in human history ever since the early civilizations. It was called “white gold” because it's the only
Salt has been one of the most valuable minerals in human history ever since the early civilizations. It was called “white gold” because it’s the only mineral able to preserve food for long periods of time: a key feature for a society with precarious food reserves.
Everyone who did not own mines or salt pan were guaranteed large quantities through trade. That’s how many salt paths were born to connect the inland to the sea and vice versa.
The Way of Salt we are talking about winds through Lombardy, Piedmont and Liguria through the Apennines and the Trebbia Valley. In total it’s about 70 km from Varzi to Sori.
It’s a pretty difficult track that involves numerous climbs, some of these sweets others challenging but that require training. To appreciate the nature that runs along the path and didn’t get tired too much, we recommend to divide the itinerary into two stages, stopping one night at Torriglia.
After about 20 km from the start you arrive at Monte Chiappo, southern limit of Lombardy. From its top you can enjo a magnificent 360° view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Then you go down the village of Capanne di Cosola, an ideal place to stop where to recover the energies before facing the remaining 24 km separating you from Torriglia.
The country still retains some of the old defensive walls and the castle so you don’t give up visiting the old town.
The final destination, Sori, is now about 26 km away mostly downhill on a road surrounded by woods and paths.
Once you arrive, run to the beach for a refreshing dip in the Ligurian Sea. Nearby is also the famous tourist resort of Portofino, a popular seaside and summer locality since the 1800s also frequented by English and German.