WALKING

12 WALKING ROUTES IN THE ALTO LARIO

WALKING

ADVICE AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The walks are mainly easy and suitable also for those who are not very fit.

Description of the walk

Danger

The description goes together with the map and helps especially where the route is not well signposted; together with the route there are also short historical notes of the places visited.

The indications ‘Left and right’ refer to the direction that is being taken. All the walks are circular.

The walks do not have any dangerous parts. Choose a walk according to your fitness, drink often and observe and respect the environment around you and keep an eye on the weather conditions which can change rapidly.

Timing The times indicated are at an easy pace, therefore they are ok for someone who is not very fit.

Time of year The walks are generally ok all year around, except for the winter if there is snow. The best seasons are the late spring with the spring flowers and the autumn, when the woods change to warm colours and thousands of different shades.

Equipment We recommend light walking shoes and hat and glasses, water and other drinks, sun cream and insect spray, binoculars and a small first aid kit.

Difficulty

READING GUIDE Easy route Medium difficulty route Impegnative route Departure and arrival Length Time Height Time of year

If you have any kind of emergency call 112.

Drinking water

Respect the environment

Panorama

The environment is delicate, show respect by not doing stupid things, not leaving rubbish of any kind around, do not pick flowers, do not light fires, do not hurt animals.

Respect private property and abide by the rules of mushroom and chestnut picking.

Responsibilty We decline any responsibility of any kind for damage to objects or people that could happen while you are on the walks. It is advisable to check on the conditions of a route before you start it.

Picnic area Camping Church Chapel Tower Fort Museum

Words, maps and routes by: Gianpaolo Paino, Environmental hiking guide Translation by: Danielle Smith Photos by: Daniele Paino, Gianpaolo Paino, Mattia Copes, Mottarella Studio Grafico, Sonia Poncia Graphic design and maps: Mottarella Studio Grafico www.mottarella.com

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After the success of the first edition and having finished the work undertaken to improve the easy walking routes over the alto Lario territory, we decided to offer a new version of the ‘Walking’ guide.

This booklet wants to ‘take you by the hand’ and lead you in an adventure to discover the villages on the western side of Lake Como, during the walks you will find churches, panoramic views and naturalistic sites, which show the peasant lifestyle which for centuries characterised our people, colours, sounds and unforgettable fragrances, breathtaking views over an often unspoiled countryside.

We would like to also in particular thank the Comunità Montana Valleys of the Lario and of the Ceresio and all the volunteers from the various associations present in the Area (C.A.I. Dongo, Promodomaso, Visit Gravedona, Upper Lake Como, Pedaleggiando) for their work signposting all the routes of the Altolario paths.

Happy trails!

Gianpaolo Paino Pedaleggiando Association

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ROUTE THREE EASY TOURS IN THE PIAN DI SPAGNA ROUTE A BALCONY OVER THE PIAN DI SPAGNA ROUTE TOUR ROUND MONTE PESCHIERA

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ROUTE APPOINTMENT WITH THE SAINT ROUTE THE ‘STRADA DEI CAVALLI’ - VERCEIA ROUTE ANCIENT MULETRACKS

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ROUTE ALONG THE VIA REGINA ROUTE WALKING ON SASSO PELO ROUTE TOUR ROUND THE EIGHT CHURCHES

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ROUTE FOLLOW ‘MATTO OF BRENZIO’S’ STEPS PERCORSO AT THE FOOT OF THE ALBANO VALLEY PERCORSO THE WALK ROUND COLICO’S FORTS

Novate Mezzola

WALKING LIST OF THE ROUTES

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3

Lago di Mezzola

Verceia

Dascio

6 Montemezzo

2

Trezzone Sorico

me Fiu

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Peglio

8 Domaso Gravedona

C

Gravedona ed Uniti

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o

m

F i u m e

o

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rre

Colico

To

nt e

d

Stazzona

ng

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g

a

a

L

a

o

nn

11 Dongo

Nuova Olonio

1

Vercana

9 10

M e r a

Gera Lario

Livo

A d d a

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ROUTE THREE EASY TOURS IN THE PIAN DI SPAGNA

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ROUTE A BALCONY OVER THE PIAN DI SPAGNA

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9,5 km; 3 hours; easy A lovely walk on the first slopes of monte Berlinghera. The first part follows the steps of Saint Miro, the venerated Hermit in the Alto lario due to his ability to bring rain to the area in times of drought. On the route there are many panoramic views, above all there is the “Sasso di Dascio”, wonderful observation point over the Pian di Spagna nature Reserve and the Mezzola lake.

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ROUTE TOUR ROUND MONTE PESCHIERA 11 km; 4 hours; medium difficulty The monte Peschiera, above Albonico adds to the natural beauty of the area with a lovely pond surrounded by chestnuts, firs and beech trees.

On the Brentalone hillock, towards the Mezzola lake you can see the excavations in the rocks from the first world war.

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6 km (oneway); 3 hours; medium difficulty Very pretty historic and scenic walk. Leaving Lake Como along a section of the ancient Via Regina you arrive at the Monte Peschiera, at the bottom of this mountain there is the Romanic temple of S. Fedelino (X century) one of the first examples of Romanic art in Lombardy. The return to Dascio can be done by boat weaving around the wild shore of the Mezzola Lake.

a - Boschetto 5 km; time: 2 hours; b - Adda River 5,3 km; time: 2 hours; c - Baletrone 6 km; time: 2,5 hours

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ROUTE APPOINTMENT WITH THE SAINT

ROUTE THE ‘STRADA DEI CAVALLI’ - VERCEIA

9,5 km; 3,5 hours; easy Excursion along some of the Via Regina road from Gera Lario to Domaso, passing Vercana and Trezzone, with lovely views and visiting some interesting churches and villages which dee unchanged over time.

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4,5 km; 2 hours; easy The “Strada dei Cavalli”, until 1834, was the only muletrack which connected by land the Valchiavenna to Lake Como. The name of the route comes from the pack horses that frequently used this route directly towards the north. the route offers wonderful views to admire the Pian di Spagna oasis and the Valchiavenna. The final part on the old unused state road which goes along the side of the Mezzola lake is also very attractive.

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ROUTE ANCIENT MULETRACKS 10 km; 4 hours; impegnative This route goes along the ancient mule tracks in the woods of the ancient Pieve of Sorico - it connects Sorico with Bugiallo, Montemezzo and Gera Lario. the route has many panoramic views over the first part of Lake Como and the Pian di Spagna; passing the abandoned hamlets you can also see evidence of the farming culture which developed over the centuries on the side of the mountains of the Alto Lario.

ROUTE ALONG THE VIA REGINA ROAD

ROUTE WALKING ON SASSO PELO 10,5 km; 4,5 hours; impegnative The monte Sasso Pelo towers over Domaso and Gravedona; on the slopes there are many villages which lived for centuries by agriculture showing their history and artistic past. Easy multipacks in the woods and great views over the lake make this walk particularly enjoyable.

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ROUTE TOUR ROUND THE EIGHT CHURCHES 10,5 km; 4 hours; impegnative The side of the lake above Gravedona is noted for the many religious buildings, some are simple and humble while some churches are real works of art.

This walk shows you eight quite different churches, all which show the profound devotion of the people of the area to their protector saints.

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PERCORSO FOLLOW ‘MATTO OF BRENZIO’S’ STEPS 6 km; 3 hours; medium Lovely walk on the first ridge of the Cortafon mountain, with many panoramic views over the Dongo plain, over the Valtellina and on the other side of the lake. It passes by Stazzona and towards Brenzio, where the “Matto di Brenzio” the madman from Brenzio, sheltered in his castle, a bandit who lived during the first half of the XVI century, who together with his son terrorised the villages of the Como area.

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ROUTE AT THE FOOT OF THE ALBANO VALLEY 8,5 km; 3,5 hours; medium The valley created by the Albano stream goes laterally from lake Como and is a connection from Italy to Switzerland via the San Jorio pass. At the bottom of the pass there is Dongo, from the XV century they took advantage of the presence of Iron in the valley above. This walk is very interesting because of the history, traditions, villages and views.

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ROUTE THE WALK ROUND COLICO’S FORTS 9 km; 3 hours; easy A walk which goes round “Montecchi”, the hills that border the lake and Colico’s territory. On the first hill we find the Lusardi fort, a fort from the first world war which is the best preserved in Europe, on the second there is Montecchio where you can see the ruins of the Fuentes Fort, an impressive stonework which was built in 1603 by the Spanish to defend their territory from the Swiss Grigioni.

ROUTE

THREE EASY TOURS AROUND 1 PIAN DI SPAGNA TOUR A BOSCHETTO The starting point of this walk seems a bit dull however here, since the XV century, the village of Olonio lies here, now buried under the alluvial debris from the Adda and Mera rivers. Inhabited since Roman times, Olonio was an important commercial area, at its port there arrived via the lake goods from the flat area under the lake headed towards the alpine passes. The area was overlooked by a tower, called the ‘imperial fort’ of Barbarossa, which controlled the transit of boats and men. The church is dedicated to S. Stefano, whose remains have been found behind the new chapel and who was the head of a Pieve (religious area) which stretched from Gera Lario up to the Valgerola.

Exit from the carpark and go left and at the fork take the right hand via Boschetto, that runs level with the Mera river. Pass “Beccaccino” restaurant and go on for 200 m, then go left on the rough track (1) (signposted “Percorso Naturalistico Sud / Fabbrichetta / Foce Adda”) which goes into the wood. This strip of vegetation has grown on one of the old waterways of the Adda which joined the river

with the Mera river by the Ponte del Passo bridge and flowed into the lake forming sand islands.

Follow the more visible rough track until the junction with the circular signpost (2) and from here go right until you reach the road that leads to Camper service. Go straight on the path that goes between the two fences to arrive at the beach at the “Punta”, panoramic viewpoint which is the extreme northern end of Lake Como.

Go back to the round signpost (2) and turn right to go onto the rough track via dell’Alberone, from which you can see all the large fields. Turn left to go along the straight road to the Fortino d’Adda (sec. XVII), ex spanish barracks for the Fuentes fort, now used as a stable. Go straight on the asphalt road and at the stop sign go left onto via Fabbrichetta (3) to close the circle and go back to the parking.

TOUR B ADDA RIVER When you arrive at the railway level crossing by the Bridge over the Adda river, park the car and start walking along the raised river side on the walking track ,following the river for about 2,4 km.

The last section of the Adda river is an artificial

ridge which was made by the Austrians in the XIX century, deviating the natural course of the river in order to drain the land for agricultural use. Once you pass the stone crushing company the path joins the rough road that takes you to the observatory in front of a pond inhabited by amphibians, butterflies and invertebrates: with a bit of luck you can see also many types of acquatic birds: from swans to ducks, from coots to grebes, from herons to kingfishers.

When you have finished go back (a visit to the mouth of the Adda river is only allowed accompanied by a guide): after 1.3kms you come to an electricity cabin (4): go left and at the junction after 200 m (5) go right passing in the middle of the cultivated fields to come back to the level crossing.

TOUR C BALETRONE The picnic area is at the bottom of the old Ponte del Passo bridge, a structure made of wood and iron built in the 1880 used until 1938 and which substituted the ancient boat river crossing.

Go along the Cycle track which goes parallel along the straight main SP4 road; when you get

A Ponte del Passo

B Railway level crossing

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C Ponte del Passo

Parking

by the Adda Bridge

Area pic nic

5 km 2 hours 200 m s.l. all year

5,3 km 2 hours 200 m s.l. all year

6 km 2,5 hours 200 m s.l. all year

TOUR C to Poncetta (6) go first left and then right down via Baletrone, a rough track which goes in between the fields.

Go straight at the cross roads immediately after the Picnic area (7) (signposted “Cascina della Poncetta�); from here onwards you can see small sandy lumps, often used by foxes to build their dens, which were part of the bed of the Adda river. You pass by the side of the isolated farm building of the Poncetta, belonging to the Pian di Spagna nature reserve and is used as a information centre and base for monitoring birds and then you arrive near the canneto (8), a delicate place that provides protection for the many species of birds, reptiles invertibrates, amphibians and a colony of deer (The visit to the canneto is only possible accompanied by a guide). Turn left onto the Track which you can just see through the large grasses passing by the side of the Cascina Spavioli and follow the track on the left hand side which takes you back to the crossing with the round signpost (7); from here turn right and go back along the road to get to the picnic area.

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TOUR A

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TOUR B

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ROUTE

A BALCONY OVER 2 PIAN DI SPAGNA SORICO / SAN MIRO / SASSO DI DASCIO Leave from Piazza C. Battisti di Sorico (1), in front of the town hall. Go across the road and follow round to the right uphill onto the red asphalt road parallel to the State road (signposted “Chiesa di S. Miro / Dascio / Via dei Monti Lariani”); go across the little foot bridge over the Sorico stream and then turn left onto the cobbles of the via Antica Regina.

Once you have gone over the second bridge over the San Miro stream, go left onto the muletrack that leads up to the Sorico tower (2) and on the left, towards the woods, by the tower, protected by a large boulder is the grotto where San Miro died. Carry on up the track to arrive up to the San Miro fountain, an elegant building built in 1598 on the orders of the Bishop of Como Filippo Archinti to protect the water trough containing the perennial spring which was created according to legend by the Sainted Hermit himself.

One last climb and there is the porch and small cemetery before the Santuary of San Miro, a site which has a stupendous view over the first part of Lake Como.

The church is usually closed; if you do find it open it is worth viewing the decorations, frescos from the. XV-XVI centuries, a church bell signed by Sigismondo de Magistris (1526), the seventeenth century stucco of the high altar and an altarpiece by Fiammenghino (1616).

Walk along the Muletrack behind the church; there is a track uphill leads to Corzone where, by the abandoned houses, there is a carved stone which was used as a press for grapes. Now the track leads slightly downhill (signposted “Dascio / Albonico / S. Fedelino”) that leads to the hamlet of Masina (3), where the track comes onto the local road for Albonico.

At this point you can choose to either go back immediately to Sorico or continue on towards the Sasso di Dascio - Dascio Stone. In the first case go right down the asphalt road, after a few bends there is a muletrack on the right (signposted MTB “Sorico”) that, finishing the circular tour comes out under the Sorico tower.

If you want to go on towards Dascio, when you get to the Masina hamlet continue straight on the asphalt road up to the Prati Meriggi; on the right you can see the strange electrical tower:

after the tower go another 10 meters or so and then turn right, leaving the asphalt road to go into the (4) muletracks (signposted “Dascio / Albonico / S. Fedelino”) that arrives, after 1,5 km, at Dascio on the corner of via Bruga (5).

At the stop sign go left, when the asphalt stops the muletrack starts again which goes away from the houses (signposted “Albonico / Stagni di Peschiera / S. Fedelino”) that brings you to the sasso di Dascio (6). A small chapel erected by the Alpine forces, a fountain, benches and an info board help you to learn about the place and aid your well earned rest.

The Muletrack carries on towards Albonico and San Fedelino (see Route N° 3 e 4); however we turn back going back along the road under the group of houses with a unusual doorway (maybe it was the entrance to a locanda). When you arrive in front of the fountain (signposted “Dascio”) turn left (7) onto a path that, passing between the houses and vinyards, arrives at the S. Biagio church.

Before returning to Sorico you can have a lovely walk along the Mera river in front of the canes of the Pian di Spagna reserve and stop in one

Sorico

piazza Cesare Battisti 6

9,5 km 3 hours min. 215 m s.l. / max. 350 m s.l. all year

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of the two restaurants to sample the typical fish dishes. From the Dascio church (8) walk along asphalted via Bruga until the corner (5), then go back onto the Muletrack taken before (signposted MTB “Sorico”) and after 1 km, go left (signposted “Ponte del Passo / Sorico”) on the track (9) which brings you down to the Ponte del Passo. At the stop sign go across the main road to go right onto the cycle walk track (10) that goes along the side of the Mera river.

Go ahead for approx 2 kms under the end of the rough road, then turn left in via don A. Pasini (signposted MTB “Domaso / Gravedona / Dongo”); after the cemetery (11) go left again, go over the little bridge over the Sorico river to come back to Piazza C. Battisti.

Sorico Tower and S. Miro church

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ROUTE

TOUR AROUND MONTE 3 PESCHIERA DASCIO / ALBONICO / PESCHIERA PONDS /BRENTALONE Leaving from the S. Biagio church at Dascio, go onto via Bruga (signposted “Sasso di Dascio / Albonico / S. Fedelino”); after a few metres, by the house N°14, go right onto the pathway (1) that goes to the right onto the Muletrack on the ancient via Regina (signposted “Albonico / Stagni di Peschiera / S. Fedelino”).

Leaving the last houses behind you quickly arrive at the Sasso di Dascio, a rocky outcrop with panoramic views over the Pian di Spagna.

At the cross roads after approx 600 m (2) go left uphill on the asphalted road (signposted “Albonico / Stagni di Peschiera / Brentalone”) until a bend (signpost “via Brienz”); leave the asphalted road to follow on the right the Muletrack that goes over two small streams and then goes immediately left.

The track comes out onto the Albonico village road, by the side of the small cemetery (3); go left on the asphalted road and at the cross roads go right uphill (signposted MTB “Stagni di Peschiera / Brentalone”).

On the walk you go over two streams, the road

goes on to be asphalted then pebbled and cemented: a series of bends takes you quickly uphill to reach a clearing (4).

At the junction go left (signposted MTB “Stagni di Peschiera”); the chestnut woods quickly change into beech and then after some ruins into a thick pine woods which lie on the left hand side of the Peschiera ponds.

Arriving at the signposted flat clearing (5), you can go left for a few metres to go to the base of a rough uphill track to an electricity pylon for a wonderful panorama over the whole of the Valchiavenna.

The Monte Peschiera is not polluted (apart from the electrical lines...), the rocky sunny formation is a wonderful environment for Lizards and birds of prey: in the pond there are fish and amphibiants, while in the canes there are several couples of Mallard ducks.

The walk goes back the same away until you get to the clearing (4); at the cross roads turn left up hill (signposted MTB “Brentalone”) to go around to the other side of the monte Peschiera, where you can meet some houses which have been recently restructured and an abandoned

granite quarry. At the Dosso del Brentalone (6), near the RAI antenna, you notice on the left hand side there are tunnels carved into the rock, these are a series of small tunnels, some sadly now have collapsed, there were part of the “linea Cadorna”, the important defensive system built during the First World War to protect the northern frontier of the Italian State.

The Brentalone tunnels were used by the soldiers for shelter, warehouse and observation point to control the Chiavenna valley.

The “roccione” to the right hand side of the antenna is a wonderful view point over the Mezzola lake.

Come back again to the clearing (4) on the same road and go downhill; over the stream (7) go left (signposted MTB “Albonico / Dascio / Sorico”) and follow the footpath parallel to the waterway going into Albonico.

When you get to the asphalt road you go along the via per Albonico, you pass by the side of the small S. Sebastiano church and at the stop go right onto via Scepa. When you get to the cemetery (3), leave the asphalt road going left

Dascio

frazione di Sorico

11 km 4 hours min. 208 m s.l. / max. 625 m s.l. all year

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onto the footpath downhill (signposted “Dascio / Sorico�); from here you go back to Dascio on the same track as before.

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Peschiera ponds and Monte Legnone

ROUTE

APPOINTMENT 4 WITH THE SAINT FROM DASCIO TO S. FEDELINO Leaving from the S. Biagio church at Dascio, go onto via Bruga (signposted “Sasso di Dascio / Albonico / S. Fedelino”); after a few meters by the house no. 14, go right onto the footpath (1) that goes onto the right onto the Muletrack onto the ancient via Regina (signposted “Albonico / Stagni di Peschiera / S. Fedelino”). Passing the last houses you arrive quickly at the Sasso di Dascio (2),a rocky outcrop with a panoramic view over the Pian di Spagna. At the junction, after about 600 m, (3) continue right (signposted “S. Fedelino”) to arrive at the “case Borzi”.

At the bottom of the clearing the road becomes a footpath that goes between the rocks until the narrow valley of the Acqua Bianca, (white water) passing over this stream on the characteristic “Valene bridge” (4).

Now there is a steep uphill section that brings you to a sharp left hand curve and to some ruins of antique houses. follow the flat track dotted with ruins of old farm buildings. There are a few electricity and telephone poles before a brief part in which the footpath seems to disappear into the vegetation, then you meet a downhill section

of the footpath with stone walls either side.

Another short downhill section brings you out at the “Acqua Marcia stream” (5), go over the wooden bridge; a series of steps and a wide track bring you out to a plateau.

The footpath passes between the remains of an old quarry (there are many half hewn blocks of granite along the road) and rises alongide a rocky ridge, all around there are small mediterranean bushes. A steep rise on the remains of another quarry and the footpath brings you out on the dosso del Brentaletto (6), the highest point on the route. Some cement steps show where the descent starts (take care going down here) that brings you, with a zigzag route signposted with white red flags, to a junction (7) with a sign pole.

Go around to the right (signposted “Belvedere / S. Fedelino variante EE”) towards l’Alpe di Teolo and the amazing panoramic terrace (8) that overlooks the Pozzo di Madrone, a creek with sheer walls down to the lake. The footpath carries on towards S. Fedelino, but the descent is only for expert excursionists: we recommend that you go back to the junction with a signpost

and follow the indications “S. Fedelino / Casenda / Via Francisca” (7); this goes by the side of a rocky ridge, going past some ruins, while the panorama opens out on the Chiavenna valley Go downhill carefully along some exposed parts until you arrive at the Scalone (9), a ramp of stairs which connects to the footpath running parallel to the Mera river. Go right following the signpost “S. Fedelino”, which you will reach in approx 15 minutes, going over the last outcrop of rock with a metal staircase (10).

Built on the site of the martyrdom of S. Fedele, the little temple (X century) it is still in its original form, made up of a square shaped room, with a protruding apse embellished by a window and three pairs of arches. The gabled roof is crowned by a pediment. The building does not have a facade as it is resting against the mountain. Entering through one of the two lateral doors, you immediately see fragments of some frescos; Pantocrator Christ flanked by two angels and the twelve Apostles. The church is open from April to October - saturday, Sunday and holidays, 14.00-17.00; For visits out of these times call +39 333 7807686 (Gianni) or +39 346

Dascio

hamlet of Sorico 9

6 km (one way) 3 hours min. 200 m s.l. / max. 500 m s.l. all year

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2246391 (Luca).

A few more steps and you arrive at the lovely little beach where there is boat mooring.

To go back take the same route as before (maybe take the variation of the stone stairs near the church), Otherwise if you organise in advance by calling +39 333 7807686 (Gianni) or +39 389 3438863 (Romano) you can go back by boat with a lovely route round the lake back to the boat station of Dascio.

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4 The little temple of S. Fedelino 3

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ROUTE

THE ‘STRADA DEI CAVALLI’ 5 VERCEIA VERCEIA HORSE TRACK To get to the starting point you need to go by car along the SS36 towards Chiavenna; before the Verceia tunnel go left onto the old road, go about 400 m and you arrive at the carpark under the mountain.

Leave the car, go back down the road to the start of the Verceia Tunnel; just before the road joins the SS36, there is a underpass which leads you to the cycle/walk track that arrives at Casello 7, passing between the railway and the side of the Mezzola lake.

When you get to the level crossing (1), cross with care the SS36 main road, go around to the left where, signposted by a totem, the Horse track starts, it goes immediately up the side of the mountain. After about 100mts you get to the remains of the house of the “Nona Pepa” (find out about this lady by reading her story on the sign attached to the wall).

Just underneath, level with the road, there is the Dolzino fountain, Monument dedicated to the Chiavenna patriot who in 1848 blocked the Austrian troops by pretending to have a cannon (in realty it was a tree trunk disguised).

Wade across a stream and passing the stone protection nets for the state road underneath, we get to Sasso Corbé, a panoramic point over the Pian di Spagna with an info board.

A narrow passage between the rocks and a steep staircase brings you to the point where in 1613 Vespasiano Salis lost his life, (he was the mayor of Morbegno) and his servant, who fell off a horse falling down into the lake underneath.

(Don’t worry because now the path is secure due to parapets, protection and handrails).

Once past Sasso Corbé the mountain is now less overwhelming; in the area Acquabona there are the remains of watering place, just a little ahead you arrive at a junction: the left hand footpath goes down hill rapidly to arrive at the ex main road, while the right hand footpath arrives after a couple of streams at the hamlet of Villa.

The footpath intersects the road (2) and carries on left passing vegetable patches, fruit trees and fields. A short descent down stairs leads you to cross the Vallaccia stream; at the junction turn right passing by the side of the “fontanin”, a source of water that does down to the fountain in the Corti village. After you have gone past the

stream barrier, the horse track ends going onto the track in the Corti village (3).

At this point you go left into via Corte passing between the old houses (one of these has a religious fresco dating back to 1625); At the crossroads go left on the road that goes in front of the cemetery to arrive at the S. Fedele churchyard, dedicated to the saint who was martyred on the other side of the Mezzola lake.

Go right onto the asphalted road until arriving at the underpass (4) that comes out on the side of the lake. At the left hand stop sign, go along the lakeside returning along the ex main road that goes away from Verceia. The last group of rural houses in via Nazionale precedes a short distance where you come into the tunnel.

Exiting from the tunnel look on the left hand side at the entrance to the Verceia Galleria di Mina Mine tunnel (5), built by the Italian army during the First World War, built with a main corridor split into the 4 sections with 18 branches, 16 mine shafts, a withdrawal shaft, 6 rooms, 4 cisterns and 3 ventilation ducts.

The tunnel should have served to cut the road and train connections of the Valchiavenna , via a

Verceia

parking on the old SS36 main road

4,5 km 2 hours min. 200 m s.l. / max. 283 m s.l. all year 4

controlled explosion of a substantial amount of explosives placed in various points of the tunnel on the possibility of an attack by enemy forces coming from the nearby Switzerland (info: +39 0341 940322). After you have passed the level crossing you arrive shortly at the carpark, completing the ring.

Verceia mine tunnel

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ROUTE

ANCIENT 6 MULETRACKS SORICO / BUGIALLO / PELEDO / MONTEMEZZO / GERA LARIO Depart from piazza Cesare Battisti in Sorico, in front of the town Hall. Go towards the exit of the piazza and cross over the main road to visit the parish church of Santo Stefano, built in 1444 with a facing done by the Giulini family in 1703, maintaining the original apses, the portal, part of the perimeter and the large bell tower masonry. Go past the “Piscen” bar and turn right into via Roma (signposted “Dolo / Bugiallo / S.Bartolomeo”); at the junction go right onto the Muletrack of the via Piana (1).

This was the site of the monastery of the order of the Humilated, with the adjoining Romanesque little church of S. Orsola.

The Muletrack climbs up the “Mutt”of San Giorgio to get to Piazzo, preceded by a panoramic hillock, under which starts the Sorico waterfall.

Fixed into the wall is an antique “pila”, a carved stone which they used to grind grains.

The road flattens out and you come to an iron and wood bridge which goes over the torrent; go right in the woods and at the crossroads in front of a ruin go left to go to Dolo (2). At the

crossroads near the fountain go straight on (signposted “Bugiallo / S. Bartolomeo”). The path crosses the road to S. Bartolomeo several times, you cross the Fabbrico village and brings you out at the fifth century S. Giovanni Battista church at Bugiallo. The cobbled road stops in piazza S. Giovanni (signposted “S. Bartolomeo / Peledo / Via dei Monti Lariani”), after which go right passing between the houses and at the cross roads in front of the S. Gaetano Oratorio (3) go right (signposted “Peledo / Via dei Monti Lariani”) on the footpath that goes away from the last houses in Bugiallo and into the chestnut wood and comes out onto the asphalted road (4). Go uphill a bit more and you arrive at Peledo, where you leave the asphalted road to go right onto a rough track (signposted “chiesa di S. Miro / Via dei Monti Lariani); go for a few meters to go right downhill taking (5) the via dei Monti Lariani (signposted “Chiesa di S. Miro / Via dei Monti Lariani”). The walk passes by the side of a rockface, it goes back onto the rough track, go round to the left between the beech trees and you come to the mountain houses at Valdongo.

Continue downhill and pass by the side of a

fence (6), and go down on a footpath that brings you quickly down to the houses at Selve (7).

We leave the Via dei Monti Lariani, turning right on the asphalted road (signposted “Dolo / Montemezzo / Gera Lario”); passing Gusbano you come back to Dolo, at the crossroads at the fountain. (2). Continue straight on the asphalt road (signposted “Montemezzo / Gera Lario”) and come onto the Montemezzo road.

The route now downhill, goes over the Sorico torrent (8) (note the scary drop to the left hand side of the bridge) which arrives at Selva (9). At the bend go right uphill, you arrive quickly at San Martino church (century XV-XVI), a holy building situated on a terrace which overlooks the first part of the lake, Il Pian di Spagna and the mouth of the Adda and Mera rivers.

The inside is richly frescoed: the presbytery is decorated with a crucifixion, work by the school of Aurelio Luini, while on the triumphal arch there is a representative of the universal judgement. In the lateral chapel, gift of the emigrants of Palermo and Ancona, frescos by Fiammenghino.

By the side of the church (signposted “Gera

Sorico

piazza Cesare Battisti

10 km 4 hours min. 215 m s.l. / max. 795 m s.l. all year 5

Lario”) the road starts which, passing by the cemetery, goes onto the Muletrack that connects Gera Lario to the mountains of Montemezzo, pass through the narrow alleys of Cerceno (10) crossing the road several times. The footpath stops when you arrive at the first houses of Gera Lario (11) : continue on the right on the asphalt road and go past the Corpo Forestale, then turn left onto the via Antica Regina (12).

The road passes by the side of the Santuary of our Lady of Fatima and finishes in piazza Barilani, where many houses are decorated with religous frescoes in sacred images. At the end of the piazza you must cross the main road (13) and follow the footpath towards Sorico.

Along the via Vittorio Emanuele, which brings you back to the starting point, you can note on the left hand side towards the mountain the ruins of the seventeenth century villa Giulina, a splendid palace which was the residence of the last members of the Giulini family; then on the right hand side there is the ex oratory of the Immacolate conception, also called the “round church”, today now converted into a house.

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ALONG THE 7 VIA REGINA GERA LARIO / DOMASO / VERCANA / TREZZONE The departure point of this walk is at the S. Vincenzo church at Gera Lario, built in the XII C on a pre existing roman building, renovated in the XV century and has some wonderful decorations.

Just under the church you cross over the main road SS340 (1) and walk downhill along via S. Vincenzo, arriving at the walk and cycle track along the lake side. Continue right along the track for approx 4 km, going past the port and the camping sites of Domaso, until the mouth of the Livo river, then you go right on the asphalt on via Case Sparse. Cross over the SS340 (2), go over the bridge over the river and then go right up the footpath between the river and the wall of the seventeenth century Villa Camilla, the town hall, to arrive at the monumental Domaso church, dedicated to S. Bartolomeo.

The church was built in 200 in a romanique form, but totally transformed in the late Baroque and 700’s, resulting in todays building . Inside there are numerous works of art, amongst which are the seventh century frescos by Ligari.

Follow the asphalt road by the left hand side of the church which leads to Gaggio/Pozzolo and at the junction after the sports centre turn right, go over the lovely stone bridge (3) over the Livo river (signposted “Madonna della Neve / Vercana”). Immediate after the bridge on the left hand the muletrack starts going uphill which leads to the Oratorio of San Silvestro (4); go left here (signpost “Vercana”), and go uphill until you come onto the village road 3 and up the track passing by the side of the Santuary of the Madonna della Neve (our Lady of the snow), built in memory of the deaths caused by the black death which was brought by the Lanzichenecchi who are mentioned by Manzoni 1634. A narrow alley between the rock and the church and an uphill section with a lovely view brings you to Cassera, hamlet of Vercana; that comes out on the asphalt road, go downhill and then after 30 meters go up the steps on the left hand side, go over a bridge and then you arrive at Arbosto, in front of the S. Salvatore baroque church, richly decorated inside with stucco, paintings and wooden works of art (5).

From the church square go onto the left uphill

via Provinciale, past the town hall and the bank and take the cobbled track on the right which goes between the houses. Go along the via Vico (signposted “Caino / Trezzone / Gera Lario”), go right then left onto via Piazzo to arrive at the bend of the SP3 (6). Go up the Muletrack up the steps on the left, (signposted “Caino / Trezzone / Gera Lario”) which arrives on the asphalted road, go right downhill and at the bend just underneath go left onto via Masino (signposted “Trezzone / Gera Lario”), on the route which goes through the woods. When you have passed through the Vercana valley go left (signposted “Trezzone / Gera Lario) and go though the village of Aurogna, part of Trezzone which has maintained its antique structure with very high houses in stone with rooms over the streets, frescos on the walls and narrow cobbled alleys. Follow the white and red flags, go out of the village on the downhill footpath, then go left onto the Muletrack (7) (signposted “Gera Lario / Domaso”), pass a small saints chapel and two stone signposts, go downhill to the Madonna delle Grazie church, fifthteenth century church with a baroque interior, built in an isolated position half way

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S. Vincenzo church

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between the two parts of Trezzone.

A downhill stairway after the church entrance comes out onto the SP 2 road; go ahead downhill for 200 mts until the junction where you can see a signpost “Gera Lario / Domaso”; go under the underpass (8) which comes out left on the Muletrack (signposted “Gera Lario / Chiesa di S. Vincenzo) which goes between the houses at Folciano and back onto the SP2.

As this point go downhill on the provincial road to come back to the San Vincenzo church at Gera Lario; an alley brings you out at the front of the church to finish the route.

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ROUTE

WALKING ON 8 SASSO PELO DOMASO / LIVO / PEGLIO The walk starts at the front of the S. Bartolomeo church at Domaso. Go down the left hand side of the church along the asphalt road for Gaggio / Pozzolo and at the junction, just past the sports centre turn right.

Centro Sportivo, Just before the Bridge over the Livo river (1) go left up a steep Muletrack (signposted “Gaggio / Livo”) that comes out on an asphalted road, go right onto the road and then at the cross roads right again in direction “Gaggio”.

After about 80 m. go left (2), joining the Muletrack again at steps which leads to Gaggio: entering into the village center on a wide cobbled track and then at the cross roads after the locanda (3), continue to the left on the Muletrack.

At the next cross roads go right (signposted “Livo”); the track goes up hill and reaches after about 2 km of easy walking, the village of Livo, come out onto the asphalt road (4): go left along via Mazzini and exit from the village always on the left on the SP 4.

You arrive at a small chapel (5) and from here you can choose between two alternative roads: the first one takes more time, about 3 km passing

between the rocks of Sasso Pelo, the second goes straight to Peglio. If you choose the first alternative, at the small carpark go left along the rough track (signposted “Naro / Peglio / Gravedona”) that goes up the north side of the mountain, at the stream go left on the footpath (signposted “Naro / Peglio / Gravedona”) that brings you toward the Sasso Pelo lake.

On the walk you can see the remains of a “calchera”, a oven that produced lime for building use: just shortly afterwards there is the first signs of limestone: proceed with caution down this descent, until you arrive at the clearing when the footpath stops coming onto a rough track.

Continue to the right (signposted “Naro / Peglio / Gravedona”) to come into the village of Naro, (6) lovely hamlet of Gravedona. at the cross roads go right (signposted “chiesa di S. Croce / Peglio”) and you come to the little S. Croce church, built at the start of the XVI century, rich with frescos, done mainly by Andrea and Sigismondo De Magistris in 1529.

The walk goes to the right of the church on the footpath which comes after approx 700 m onto the asphalted road; continue right (signposted

“Peglio / Gravedona”) to come to the first buildings in Peglio in via Calchera.

If you choose the second alternative, it is much quicker and easy, from the little chapel go staight on the asphalt road, going through the Piano dei Gorghi to arrive at the baroque church of the Beata Vergine of Gorghiglio; from here go left, keeping on the asphalt road, to join up with the longer route.

When you get level with house No. 5 (7) go around to the left (right if you chose the shorter route) on the cement footpath, at the cross roads left again, past piazza Narido and go along, still on the left, via Del Pero, arriving quickly at the SS. Eusebio e Vittore church, richly decorated by frescos from the XVI to XVII century with the money from the people from Peglio who emigrated to Palermo. The wonderful interior is in a baroque style enriched by works by Fiammenghino and Alessandro Valdani.

At the corner of the cemetery (8) take the footpath (signposted “Gravedona / Domaso”) which goes down towards Domaso; just under the church you can see the ancient iron mine. At the crossroads (9) continue down hill on the right (signposted

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chiesa di San Bartolomeo

10,5 km 4,5 hours min. 215 m s.l. / max. 725 m s.l. all year 4

“Segna / Domaso”) and you arrive at Segna (10); proceed on the paved road and then left onto the asphalted road (signposted “Pozzolo / Gaggio / Domaso”) that goes by the side of the oratorio of S. Lorenzo.

Leaving behind the last houses, there is a short part which is rough track then go right onto the footpath (signposted “Pozzolo / Domaso”) which goes downhill quickly between the fields and the vineyards bringing you out, after a narrow track to Pozzolo, a small hamlet of Domaso.

At the junction after the first houses go right, where you can get to the small church dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie, with a wonderful view over the lake. The route passes between the houses on the narrow lane until you arrive at the asphalted road, go though Piazzetta Acone along the road and you arrive at Villa Garovet, where there is a important local wine producer.

Leave the road (11) to go right onto the Muletrack; at the junction go right (signposted “Chiesa / Centro Storico”) and when you arrive at the stone path, go to the right then immediately left into via Valsecchi to get back to the S. Bartolomeo church.

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THE TOUR ROUND 9 EIGHT CHURCHES GRAVEDONA / NARO / PEGLIO The tour leaves from in front of the S. Maria delle Grazie church, with the adjoining Agostinian convent at Gravedona.

The building was started in 1467, the church was enriched during the centuries by many precious works of art by the most famous artists of the area between the Renassance and the Baroque periods. On the part facing the lake go downhill slightly on via Convento; at the cross roads take the uphilll via Pessina (signposted “Segna / Naro / Livo”), go under two underpasses and the tube of the eletrical power station and then go right on the asphalted road to the hamlet of Moglio (1). Two bends lead you to Segna; shortly before the S. Lorenzo oratorio go left (2) (signposted “Peglio / Naro / Livo”) on a paved road which becomes a steep Muletrack; go over the tube of the Gravedona power station the walk gets flatter then starts going uphill round several bends through the chestnut woods.

At the cross roads go right (3) (signposted “Naro / Livo”) then after another uphill section, go right again (signposted “Naro / Livo”) on the cement track which arrives at Naro.

At the cross roads go left (4) (signposted “Chiesa di S. Croce / Peglio”) on a flat footpath that brings you to the S. Croce church, built at the start of the XVI century and full of frescos, done mainly by Andrea and Sigismondo De Magistris in 1529. The walk goes to the right of the church on a footpath which joins up after approx. 700 m. with an asphalt road; continue to the right (signposted “Peglio / Gravedona”) and you arrive at the first houses in Peglio in via Calchera.

By house no.5 (5), go left on the cement footpath, at the junction left again, go through piazza Narido and then, keeping to the left, go on the via Del Pero to arrive at the SS. Eusebio e Vittore church (see Route 8). From the parking in front of the church go left on the SP road n°4 (6) (signposted “S. Pietro in Costa / Negrana / Gravedona”) and when you go past house no. 12, go left again on the downhill Muletrack; at the junction go right and then, at the next y junction where there is a stone milestone (7) go right again (signposted “Traversa / S. Pietro in Costa).

When you get to the hamlet of Traversa go left on the asphalt road to come to the SP road 4 and the nearby S. Martino church (XV C.).

From the main road you go off to the left on the footpath (8) (signposted “S Pietro in Costa”) that goes off into the woods , arriving at the S. Pietro in Costa church at Dosso del Liro, situated in an isolated position and built between the XV and XVI centuries; in the inside of the church there are frescos on the Apse, dated 1532.

Go back to the SP4 on the same footpath and at the crossroads go left (signposted “Travisa / Peglio”), going back to Traversa.

At the bend leave the asphalt, going straight on the footpath that brings you back to the junction with the stone milestone (7); this time you go right downhill (signposted “Travisa / Negrana / Gravedona”). The footpath gets wider, becoming an asphalted road then , then paved with cement blocks; at the first houses at Travisa go round to the right downhill and then at the stop go across the main SP Road, go straight on taking the cement road that comes out on the bend between the houses at Negrana.

Walk to the left downhill until the SS. Nabore e Felice chuch, built around the end of the XVI century and modernised during the middle of the XVIII century; here go left (9) and go

Gravedona

Santa Maria delle Grazie church (Convento)

10,5 km 4 hours min. 250 m s.l. / max. 720 m s.l. all year

along via Ai Ronchi. When you get to the house n° 22/24 (10) go right up the cement stairway and when you get past the fountain, you go right to arrive, after a steep downhill section, to the asphalted Via Fontanella.

Go across the SP road and go left onto the cobbled lane (11) which brings you quickly to the small SS. Gusmeo e Matteo church, built on the site of the martyrdom of the two saints and frescoed by Giovanni Mauro della Rovere, known as il Fiammenghino.

Go past the traffic lights and continue on the left to come back to the S Maria delle Grazie church to close the ring.

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FOLLOW THE ‘MATTO OF 10 BRENZIO’S’ STEPS CONSIGLIO DI RUMO / BRENZIO / STAZZONA Leaving from the S. Gregorio church in Consiglio di Rumo, built in the XVI cenutry; in the inside there are many frescos from the XV to XVII century, paintings by Isidoro Bianchi on the triumphal arch and canvas paintings Carlo Pozzo from Valsolda (XVII C.).

Leaving the church behind you you go up a short uphill section and go immediately right along via Guasto (signposted “Alborescia / Brenzio / Stazzona”).

At the second bend (1) go left on the paved road (signposted “Taiana / Alborescia / Brenzio / Stazzona”) that goes through the group of houses of Tassimola; go right onto the Muletrack which is well signposted and brings you first to Taiana and then to Alborescia. When you arrive at the asphalt road you go right, go past a small chapel, a fountain and another small chapel then go left on the cement road (2) (signposted “Brenzio / Stazzona / Dongo”) which comes onto the Muletrack bringing you, after a uphill section between the fields to Brenzio. After a small cemetery you meet the asphalted road.

The route goes straight on, but before it is worth stopping at the nearby real gem of S. Giovanni Battista church, from the fifteenth century where there are diverse pictorial cycles done by Giovanni Mauro della Rovere known as Fiammenghino and Isidoro Bianchi da Campione. When you arrive at the top of the climb the Muletrack comes onto the asphalt road (3); bend round to the left (signposted “Stazzona / Dongo / Gravedona”) and exit from Brenzio, going along the straight panoramic road that arrives at Stazzona, in Via alla Chiesa. At the stop sign go left and you quickly arrive at the S. Giuliano church, built in the XVI century, inside there are many decorations with stucco and frescos from the seventeenth century in the two lateral chapels. The presbytery is decorated with frescos from the eighteenth century by Giulio Quaglio and G.P. Recchi.

By the church there is an building renovated in memory of ancient times a “Masùn”, the typical mountain house in stone and wood with a sloping roof covered with rye straw, used as a stable and barn.

By the lake side of the church the descent in cement starts (4) (signposted “S. Gregorio /

Dongo / Gravedona”); at the junction after 30 m you walk to the right on the cobbled footpath, at the junction go straight on the asphalt road then left onto the Muletrack preceded by some cement steps. When you get to the asphalt road you go left, you go past the small chapel bending round to the right and you continue straight on the Muletrack that comes onto the asphalt road again. Departing from the last houses the walk goes straight on up a cement stairs and on the downhill Muletrack that brings you to Vanzonico. When you get to the asphalt road go left, go past a fountain and at the bend go left again on the Muletrack (signposted “Ganda / S.Gregorio / Gravedona”).

In this area there are many “crotti”, natural cellars transformed into taverns, in which the constant temperature helps conserve wine, cheese and salami.

Arriving at Ganda the route meets a bend on the asphalt road (5); you go left uphill (signposted “Giussanico / Gorgotto / S. Gregorio / Gravedona) then right on the cement road (signposted “Giussanico etc..”) then, after some bends, meet the asphalt road and follow arriving at the hamlet

Consiglio di Rumo S. Gregorio church

6 km 3 hours min. 230 m s.l. / max. 520 m s.l. all year

of Giussanico. At the junction in the little piazza between the houses continue left, then straight onto the cement paved road, at the next junction go left downhill and at the end right onto the asphalt road, arriving near the main road SS 340 (6). Continuing straight on Via Regina come onto the cobbled path that goes in front of the cemetery at Consiglio di Rumo; when you get past the small chapel go along the Via Antica Regina and going left at the junction with Via Prestino, you come back to the S. Gregorio church .

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AT THE FOOT OF THE 11 ALBANO VALLEY DONGO / STAZZONA The walk starts at Piazza Paracchini in Dongo, famous for the capture of Mussolini and the shooting of the bosses of the Repubblica Sociale Italiana in april 1945. In the Neoclassic Palazzo Manzi, municipal building, there is the “Museum about the end of the War”, that shows through use of artifacts, documents and inedited films the tragic end of the twenty years of Fascism.

Go left into via Mercato and at the underpass, go right on via 4 Novembre, then right again on via Lamberzoni. When you get to the Romanic church S. Maria in Martinico go left (1) along the cobbled street (signposted “Chiesa S. Eufemia / Vigero / Tegano”); at the first two junctions go left, while you go right at the third cross roads, following the same signposts.

At the crossroads (signposted “Vigero / Tegano / Crocetta”) go straight on, go over the water tubes, across a stream and join at the right on the rough track. When you get to the cement track go straight on downhill (signposted “Chiesa di S. Gottardo / Barbignano”); on the next bend go left onto the asphalt road, then right again (2) towards the Baroque church S. Gottardo

situated on a panoramic hillock that you go to up a ramp of steps. The route continues on the right of the church, where you arrive at a gate that that leads onto the Muletrack; go over the stream and go right, downhill and then go straight on the asphalt road. When you get to the water tubes you go left on the cement road and when you get to house n°2, go right on via Ponaga, up the steps that come out at via Antica Regina. Go left, go over the Ponte della Regina (bridge) and at the stop sign go left again (signpost “Strada per Garzeno”), arriving at the via Mulattiera p.

Montagna (3) (signposted “Stazzona /Brenzio / Germasino-Garzeno”). Walk on the cobbles going across the village road several times and go uphill along the side of the mountain for about 1,2 kms until you arrive at Stazzona, at the hamlet Cassia. At the junction (4) go straight on the asphalted road, at the next cross roads turn right (signposted “Stazzona Chiesa / Brenzio”) until the little piazza, where there is a washing place and a very traditional chapel. The walk goes left, at the junction after the stream left again, passing between the ancient houses of the hamlet of Morbio; from the small piazza with the washing

area you go right and at the stop go left towards the church. Go past the cemetery and the townhall arriving at the S. Giuliano church (5) and at the Masun of Stazzona (see itinerary 10).

The descent leaves on the side of the church facing the lake down a cement track (signposted “S. Gregorio / Dongo / Gravedona”); at the cross roads after 30 m. go right on the cobblestones; at the junction go straight on the asphalt road and then go left onto the a Muletrack, preceeded by some cement steps.

When you get to the asphalt road go left, past a small chapel, curving immediately round to the right and then straight on the Mule track which comes out on the asphalt road another time.

Leaving the last houses behind you walk straight up some cement steps and on the downhill Muletrack that arrives at Vanzonico. When you get to the asphalt road go left, past a fountain and at the bend go left on the Muletrack (signposted “Ganda / S. Gregorio / Gravedona”).

Arriving at Ganda, just before the bend on the asphalt road (6) go right onto the cobbles of via della Motta (signposted “Dongo / Mossanzonico / Chiesa S. Lorenzo”). A long downhill section

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piazza Paracchini

8,5 km 3,5 hours min. 215 m s.l. / max. 520 m s.l. all year

arrives at Mossanzonico; at the cross roads go left, where you arrive the fifteenth century Oratory of S. Lorenzo with precious statutes from the XVII century. works by Antonio Maria Maragliano. Go left to arrive at piazza Mossanzonico, then right on via S. Lorenzo until you arrive at the Main road SS340. At the stop sign go across the main road, going straight on in the Hamlet Bersaglio (signpost “Palestra Comunale”), where you meet the cycle walk track (7) by the side of the lake, go right to follow the track for about 1 km. Slightly after the S. Stefano church turn right on the asphalted road (signposted MTB “S. Jorio / Giovo / Bocchetta”), at the stop sign go left and when you get to the doorway of the Parrocchiale church, go right onto viale Mons. P. Bellesini, which brings you back to the main road. Bend round to the left to arrive at the Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime, with the annexed Francescano convent (C. XVI), named after the ancient painting of the Madonna with baby which is worshipped here. Go past the Santuario, cross the main road before the bridge over the Albano river (8) and carry on down via Tre Pievi and onto via Roma to come back to Piazza Paracchini.

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THE WALK ROUND 12 COLICO’S FORTS Starting at the train stazione in Colico, go under the railway underpass (to the left of the Stazione bar) that comes out at via Padania. Go right following the asphalt road and after 500 mts, turn left on the road that takes you out to the Lusardi fort, shown by a large signpost and the signpost CAI “Sentiero dei forti” (1). After the little bridge (note on the left hand side the two towers from XII century) the road goes uphill to the top of the hill entering into the wood. At the cross roads continue on the right until you come to the first fort. At the end of the interesting visit to the fort (info: +39 0341 940322), go back to the cross roads and go right on the rough track (signposted “Erbiola / Forte di Fuentes”); you come to a clearing in the woods and then a group of houses at the bottom of a short downhill section. Near the last houses the road gets narrower becoming a footpath, go left downhill on a track bordered by dry stone walls. The view now opens out to see Montecchio and then the Valtellina while the footpath continues winding round some houses and some cultivated fields with gardens and vineyards. When you go past the last rocky part of the hill the footpath comes onto a rough

road, go left towards Erbiola (signposted “Canale Borgofrancone / Forte di Fuentes”). Go over the narrow canal with the little bridge, then go right, following the water course. After about 500 mts continue to the right passing another little bridge in cement, at the cross roads of Monteggiolo (2) go to the left, in the direction “Forte di Fuentes”, passing between the houses which are from the seventeeth century and recently renewed and carry on to get to the uphill section which brings you out at the fort, a noticeboard gives you plenty of information about the history of the spanish military complex. The road which is cut out of the rock comes to a large flat area, carry

on right until you get to the entrance bar before the Piazza of the fort. You have to pay to enter the fort, if you don’t want to visit the ruins then you can go immediately to the end of the piazza where, between the church and the Palazzo del Governatore, take the footpath CAI N° 9. At the next cross roads go to the left (signposted “Canale Borgofrancone / Foce Adda”), going up a brief stairway, then a section which is bumpy with roots and stone. Leaving Montecchio go across the little wooden bridge and go left (3), on the long cycle walk track which runs parallel with the Adda river (signposted “Foce Adda / Colico”). A little before the mouth of the river, the track goes left, curving

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round the slopes of the Montecchio Nord, so that you arrive at the other little bridge over the canal. The track passes between the two fences and ends in front of the camper area in Colico (4); from here go straight on the asphalt road that comes to the Nautical centre and the ZTL - traffic limited zone - of the play area.

Passing on the right of the paved “roundabout� and along the wooden walkway you arrive at the Colico Port and piazza Garibaldi. To go back to the station, exit from the piazza at via Sacco, in front of the port (5) and go left in viale Padania until the underpass that brings you back to the piazza at the stazione.

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HOW TO REACH US

Verceia Dascio Gera Lario Sorico Sondrio 45 km Domaso Tirano 70 km Gravedona ed Uniti Consiglio di Rumo Colico Dongo train station Piona Musso Dervio

Passo San Gottardo Zurich Bern Agno

Julierpass St. Moritz 70 km

Passo dello Spluga Stuttgart Frankfurt Zurich Bern Chur

Lugano 50 km

Bellano Menaggio Varenna Cadenabbia Tremezzo Bellagio Isola Comacina Argegno

Lago di Como

Lago di Lugano

Mandello Laglio

Cernobbio

LECCO 45 km

COMO 60 km

MILANO 100 km Malpensa Linate

BERGAMO 85 km Orio al Serio

Project realized

by Pedaleggiando Association c/o B&B Il Nido dello Svasso via Vittorio Emanuele, 41 22010 Sorico (CO) phone +39 338 4717186 pedaleggiando@tiscali.it www.pedaleggiando.it Data updated may 2017

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