+ 89
Trail del Marchesato
Trail Running Route
Hard
9.4 mi
3,141 ft
A steep run to the north of Finale Ligure.
This run heading deep into the mountains north of Finale Ligure begins in the historic walled town of Finalborgo. After climbing quickly past Castel San Giovanni via a cobblestone path, you’ll soon reach Castel Gavone in a prominent position above the valley.
[According to Wikipedia]( Castel Gavone "was the headquarters of the Del Carretto marquises, lords of Finale.” First built in 1172, the castle has been enlarged and fortified over the years, partially demolished, and then subsequently rebuilt… as with most castles.
In 1989, “the castle was donated to the Municipality of Finale Ligure, which is currently providing for a recovery aimed at the conservation and tourist enjoyment of the imposing ruins,” according to Wikipedia. As of the time of this writing, you may not be able to access the castle directly, but you can still view it from the trail.
After enjoying the views of Castel Gavone, continue on to the bulk of your run.
This route may be short, but it’s quite steep. After traversing the Bric della Croce ridge for a distance, the run drops into the valley and climbs quickly up to Montesordo.
After Montesordo, you’ll drop into another valley and follow it slowly upward until you gain another low ridgeline. Double back and traverse down this ridgeline, and drop once again into a valley before finally ascending to Bric della Croce, the highpoint you’ve been eyeing for the entire run.
Finally, you’ve reached the top of Bric della Croce! Stop and savor the view from your highpoint, and then finish your run by slowly descending the ridgeline, passing Castel Gavone again, and terminating back in Finalborgo.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
This run heading deep into the mountains north of Finale Ligure begins in the historic walled town of Finalborgo. After climbing quickly past Castel San Giovanni via a cobblestone path, you’ll soon reach Castel Gavone in a prominent position above the valley.
[According to Wikipedia]( Castel Gavone "was the headquarters of the Del Carretto marquises, lords of Finale.” First built in 1172, the castle has been enlarged and fortified over the years, partially demolished, and then subsequently rebuilt… as with most castles.
In 1989, “the castle was donated to the Municipality of Finale Ligure, which is currently providing for a recovery aimed at the conservation and tourist enjoyment of the imposing ruins,” according to Wikipedia. As of the time of this writing, you may not be able to access the castle directly, but you can still view it from the trail.
After enjoying the views of Castel Gavone, continue on to the bulk of your run.
This route may be short, but it’s quite steep. After traversing the Bric della Croce ridge for a distance, the run drops into the valley and climbs quickly up to Montesordo.
After Montesordo, you’ll drop into another valley and follow it slowly upward until you gain another low ridgeline. Double back and traverse down this ridgeline, and drop once again into a valley before finally ascending to Bric della Croce, the highpoint you’ve been eyeing for the entire run.
Finally, you’ve reached the top of Bric della Croce! Stop and savor the view from your highpoint, and then finish your run by slowly descending the ridgeline, passing Castel Gavone again, and terminating back in Finalborgo.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finalborgo-Monte Sordo (up!) | 3.49 mi | 1,033 ft | 5.4% |
| Salita borgo 5 campanili | 0.87 mi | 427 ft | 9.2% |
| Strada Provinciale 17 Climb | 0.45 mi | 459 ft | 19.1% |
| Seconda salita marchesato | 0.83 mi | 528 ft | 11.9% |
| 1a discesa trail del marchesato | 0.54 mi | -633 ft | -22.1% |
| San bernardo discesa | 0.46 mi | -518 ft | -21.3% |
| discesa2 | 0.13 mi | -256 ft | -36.7% |
| terza salita marchesato | 0.70 mi | 617 ft | 16.3% |
| Strada Provinciale 27 Climb | 0.42 mi | 341 ft | 15.1% |
| Pian Marino | 1.33 mi | 217 ft | 2.8% |
| sia san rocco | 0.23 mi | 197 ft | 16.0% |
| Sterrato Carrabile da Ca de Ramundi (Trail Marchesato 36km) | 0.77 mi | 118 ft | 0.8% |
| penultima discesa trail del marchesato | 0.74 mi | -551 ft | -14.0% |
| quarta salita marchesato rocca perti | 0.39 mi | 394 ft | 18.1% |
| Bric Croce | 0.44 mi | 591 ft | 25.1% |
| Calice down | 1.07 mi | -820 ft | -14.3% |
| Castel Govone DH | 0.47 mi | -387 ft | -15.4% |