785m above sea level

This may not be the most beautiful view of the Cinque Terre, but it is were we started and then staggered to the end of our walk today.

Walking boots tightly laced, picnic packed we headed to the train station to travel to Riomaggiore and the start of the famous day long coastal walk.
A very helpful lady at the station ticket office informed us that the coastal path was unfotunately closed; but we could spend the day visiting all the villages by train, or take one of the alternative 'hiking' routes.
It was abeautiful day, we've visited the villages before, we suddenly developed selective hearing and opted for the 'hike'!!!!

Essentially we walked up stairs for two hours, along for one hour and then down stairs for an hour and a half.
It was incredibly beautiful - crisp and clear, we could see across the sea for miles and the wonderful villages below spread before us (or that's what we told ourselves as we stopped to catch our breath every few feet on the way up).
The picnic remained untouched until we got back to earth - I think we were worried that if we stopped, one or both of us would completely seize up.

Wonderful dinner back in Genoa this evening, but I fear we will suffer tomorrow, neither of us being particularly fit and not having the forethought to warm up at all.