ON THE ROAD OF MANSI FROM BOBBIO MONASTERY

BOBBIO MONASTERY’S “MANSI” itinerary, requiring a minimum training, goes along some portions of the old way connecting in the middle ages Bobbio, its abbey and the “Mansi” of St. Columba’s monks. The track, which has been restored by Piacenza’s CAI, allows to visit Brugnello, an old village with a characteristic little church sheer above the magnificent meanders of the river Trebbia, that amazed even Hemingway.
THE TRACK: N. 143 track is marked with red/white signs and goes along the road (asphalted up to the bridge over Rio Carlone) bordering river Trebbia’s left bank and leading to Moglia, a small group of houses in Rio Carlone’s wild deep valley ( 1 hour 15 minutes). Leaving the village, you have to go along a steep bridle path and a more comforatble footpath until you reach Carano, located at the feet of the peculiar Bric Carana ( about 50 minutes). Going along the crest you’ll reach Pietranera and Brugnello ( 1 hour). After crossing some fields, take the path leading to the River Trebbia’s shore nearby Marsaglia (about 40 minutes). From Brugnello, the hiker may go back to Bobbio following a comfortable, panoramic path.