Banca: Hiking and Mountain Bike Routes to the Passes

Banca is ideal for you if you want to plan a trip not just around a single destination, but around trails, passes, and crossings. From La Banca, hikers can take the SP39 to Passo del Brattello, connecting the Via degli Abati with the GEA. There, the route toward Passo della Cisa crosses the E1.

Hiking to Passo del Borgallo

From La Banca, a 10.3 km circular hike leads to Passo del Borgallo and the Chapel of Valvenera. If you like planning around a set distance and bringing several destinations together on one loop, this trail provides a clear framework for organizing your day.

Mountain Bike Routes to the Passes

There is also a clearly defined route for mountain bike travelers: the circular route “Passo dei due Santi, Monte Spiaggi e Passo del Borgallo da Banca” reaches Passo dei due Santi after 15.7 km. Another mountain bike route follows the trail descending from Monte Spiaggi to the Cascate Farfara. It approaches Passo dei due Santi via a forest road that is also used by motorcycles.

Trails Between Valleys and Passes

The Via dei Remi began in Borgo Val di Taro and led via Val Tarodine and Passo Scassella toward Levanto. Near San Vincenzo, it meets the Via degli Abati. This connection broadens the view beyond individual excursions: it becomes clear how valleys, passes, and onward trails are linked within the regional landscape. Banca can therefore also be seen as a destination for travelers interested in trail routes and orientation between different landscape areas.

Nature-Oriented Exploration

The Riserva Naturale Regionale e Oasi WWF dei Ghirardi has a visitor center in Pradelle-Porcigatone, Borgo Val di Taro. If you like combining your trip with exploring the landscape, you can include the visitor center in your plans and then decide whether to focus primarily on a hike, a mountain bike route, or the wider network of trails.

Arrival and Personal Planning

Borgo Val di Taro can be reached via the A15 Parma–La Spezia motorway, using the Borgotaro exit, as well as via the Parma–La Spezia railway line. Consider whether you would like to focus on a hiking day to Passo del Borgallo, a mountain bike route, or the trails over Passo del Brattello. This allows you to assess the ideal location for your hotel or other accommodation according to your own plans and travel rhythm.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

For further trip planning, you can also visit the pages for Compiano, Lesignano de' Bagni, Signatico, Fontanellato, Bore, Sala Baganza, Traversetolo and Sissa.

To the main travel overview: Parma.