Acqua rocca degli zappini

Among all the pathways that lead to the edge of the Bove Valley, the path of Acqua Rocca is my favourite. Like other pathways, it allows you to admire the valley, but in this case the view of the valley is opened to us very suddenly, almost unexpectedly. I have gone through it several times and on every occasion I have felt the same wonder.

The path starts close to the base point of "Case del Vescovo"; however the official entrance to the pathway is located in a clearing close to an old ruined building. Here, through the opening in the fencing you can find the sign for the beginning of the path. Walking along the path you first encounter a small wooden bridge, close to where there is a wall of lava rocks which have been smoothened by water over time. Presently, the water flows on the wall only during the melting of the winter snows. The wall is frequently used by climbers for practice.

Further on you arrive at the peak of "the waterfall", an opening with an enormous ancient beech tree. From here there is also a good panorama of the Ionian sea. This first part of the path is suitable for all types of adventurers and you can walk through it in all seasons with ease. It does not present large difficulties for walkers. If you want to overlook the entire valley you have to continue further than the ancient beech tree and go through another section which is of an increased level of difficulty. It is steep with sandy soil underfoot which you cannot access during the winter periods due to snow (unless you have the correct equipment).

During this second part of the journey your attention will be focused on the ground in front of you due to the steep incline of the slope. At the end the valley opens suddenly before you and for a few seconds your eyes will not be able to take in the view and vastness of the valley. On the picture, you can observe some dark areas not covered by the snow: you are lookig at the recent magma (Summer 2008), still warm.

On top we also found some beautiful ice crystals, formed from the recent snowfall. The top of the path is called Serra del Salifizio. On the left of the big rock the descent starts to the Bove Valley through a short path which leads you inside the valley slopes: this is the path "Carmelo e Riccardo" which is described in the relevant section. Remember to look one more time at the sea before coming back!!