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Those with energy to spare should cross the road and embark on the steep path for the upper crater. A tiring red-black sand ramp bears north, at first skirting the recent lava flows which appeared to everyone’s surprise on the lower slope of La Montagnola in 2001. Swinging east then south, the path gradually gains the wonderfully scenic rim ofMonte Silvestri Superiore (1998m). The views range over neighbouring Monti Calcarazzi and the elongated Schiena dell’Asino crest, not to mention much further afield. A clear path continues west around the rim, before descending to join the ascent path, whence left back to the restaurant (40min). Accommodation Rif. Sapienza Tel 095-915321 CAI Nicolosi: B&B La Giara Tel 095-7919022

Dwarfed to the size of ants, people explore the lower Silvestri rim

WALK 6

Monte Nero degli Zappini Loop

Start/Finish Piano Vetore Distance 5km/3.1 miles Grade 1 Time 1hr 40min Maps ‘Mt Etna’ 1:25,000, Selca Access As per Walk 5, but leave the main road 2.5km west of the Area Etna Sud. There is ample roadside car parking. Those travelling by the daily Catania–Etna bus should ask to be let off at the ‘Sentiero Natura’ turn-off, then it’s a matter of minutes to walk in. Note After a lava invasion in 2003, the central section was modified. This may not be shown on older maps.

This rewarding Sentiero Natura, the very first nature trail to be marked by the Etna Park authorities, leads through an interesting range of volcanic landscapes. It is within easy reach of the main Etna Sud zone, but is thankfully quiet and little visited. Moreover, the routes gives great angles onto Etna’s main summits and the columns of smoke issuing from the craters. Pockets of endemic plant life up the interest level. The sole note of ‘warning’ concerns the dearth of shade on all but the central stretch, making sun protection essential. Good trainers instead of boots are OK on this route.