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To reach Fornovolasco, the starting point of the route:
From Lucca, follow the signs for Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (Province of Lucca) SS12 then SP20 to Gallicano. Turn left onto SP39 towards Fornovolasco.
Parking at the entrance to the village.
(S/E) From the car park in Fornovolasco, cross the small bridge to reach the left bank of the stream. Walk along the Turitte di Gallicano to find a small road.
(1) Head west and take a shaded path (Sentiero CAI 12, signposted Monte Forato).
Pass in front of a cave known as "Tana Che Urla", well known to cavers, then about 50 metres further on, you will reach an intersection between Sentieri CAI 12 and Cai 6.
(2) Take the path uphill to the right (still CAI 12). Cross a track, then rejoin the path slightly to the left (CAI 12). Continue through the undergrowth and after a few bends you will reach an abandoned house.
(3) Continue for a few metres and, before reaching another house, leave the track and take the path on the right (CAI 12). Cross the track again and you will reach some new buildings (Casa del Monte) and an intersection between Sentieri CAI 12 and CAI 131.
(4) Continue along the CAI 12. The final climb is more intense and the vegetation no longer offers protection from the sun. You will come out onto a ridge path coming from the north. Pass in front of the Monte Ferato Arch and, on the right, begin the final ascent of Monte Ferato Nord. The summit, topped by a cross, is clearly visible.
(5) After a break for lunch and to enjoy the view, descend towards the impressive Monte Forato Arch and continue to the trail junction.
(6) For those who wish, climb Monte Forato Sud (steep path shown on the map).
(7) Descend towards the arch to the previous crossroads.
(6) Head south-east along the Sentiero CAI 110 to reach Foce Di Petrosciana. At the start, it is marked Escursionisti Esperti, but the path does not present any major difficulties.
(8) At Foce Di Petrosciana, head east then north-east and take the Sentiero CAI 6 until you reach the CAI 12.
(2) From this point, take the same path back to the car park. (S/E)
