Itinerary details: Take the SS 306 from the entrance to Riolo Terme towards Casola Valsenio, before the Senio bridge turn into Via Rio Ferrato. Continue along the river leaving the asphalt road at the first turning to the right signposted "Laghi Azzurri", after the quarries which have been flooded for fishing, you pass a metal bridge from Isola, continue along Via Trinzano. After passing a lovely oak tree the route cuts a loop in the river Senio which you cross, at Mulino Costa take Via Orto Guadagnina onto the SS 306 where you turn left, almost immediately you come to Via Caduti dei Crivellari which you take across the river and the road goes uphill a little and with a series of bends climbs up to Monte Tondo up to the old Crivellari borgo which is entirely built of stone. Just after the asphalt finishes do not continue for Ca Roccale but go up to the right and continue straight on, the path goes through a thicket towards Ca Faggia and then through a hollow in the chalk seam between M.te della Volpe e M.te Mauro. Take care not to miss the footpath, buried in places, as it climbs up towards the south becoming wider going up and then downhill passing a ruin before reaching the old local road on the left which goes up to the sink hole underneath the parish. Go up to the right to the ruined building on the foundations of a medieval fortress, from here the path goes up to the top 515 m a.s.l. from where there are great views. Returning to the road, turn right and descend between rocks and sink holes. After a while the path is asphalt and leaves the woods and then passes Ca Castellina where it becomes a footpath again and in places less evident as we walk on the crest of the chalk seam. Part of the crest is very fine and a little dangerous but the views are breathtaking, after a while the path becomes more evident and veers a little towards the left avoiding the descent towards Valle del Sintria, at this point looking behind you can see a wonderful view of Monte Mauro from which you have just come down. After a short flat piece the path starts to descend quite rapidly and the chalk erosion gives way to orchards, the path surface becomes gravel as it comes out in Via Fornace and the Spa, completing the circle.
Additional information: Most of this walk is on gravel, dirt roads or footpaths, apart from two sections of state road “Casolana”and the asphalt uphill section at Crivellari.
Itinerary: The route is 16 km. covering a difference in altitude of about 400 m. The stream Rio Ferrato covers a difference in altitude of about half that.
When: Possible all year round with the exception of rainy days.
Organisation: Free
Access and requirements: The guide "Dalla Futa al Mare" is available in the IAT office in Riolo Terme for more detailed information of the route.
