Valchiavenna is shaved on its western flank by the Lepontine Alps. A veritable crown of majestic peaks, which stretch northwards, touching the municipalities of Samolaco, Gordona, Mese and San Giacomo Filippo, a barrier from nearby Switzerland. It&´s a vast geographical area within which many routes have been established to connect mountain pastures to small villages, and creating an itinerary known as "Mezzacosta delle Lepontine" A spectacular outing, highly original to undertake in a day and crossing places and landscapes of rare beauty. In the version we are proposing in these pages the route is suitable for seasoned walkers willing to commit 5/6 hours of their time. In addition because of its configuration, it&´s advisable to organise the return using a second car or by public transport (bus line).
The start of this itinerary is in San Pietro, part of the municipality of Samolaco. Leave from the hamlet of Ronscione (293m) and you climb gently towards the north until you reach and cross the ridge which opens up Val Bodengo. You reach Sorboggia at 880 metres which throws up splendid views and glimpses like the Ponte del Vallone, a magnificent arched stone bridge well worth a photo or two.
The path runs along ups and downs towards the opposite flank of Val Bodengo. Destination is the Orlo pasture at 1165 metres. The valley is pretty rugged but there&´s no lack of vista opening up towards Valchiavenna and the surrounding peaks. A joy. From Orlo you continue upwards towards Cermine at 1346m, a superb natural plateau from where you can enjoy unparalleled panorama.
After the Cermine ridge, you enter the Menerola valley. The slope varies in gradient but don&´t worry you&´ll reach the Cigolino hump (1.165m). And now the route begins to descend - albeit briefly - below 1000m. moving on towards Sommarovina (956m). Apart from providing a most welcome break, the hamlet is perfect for a short stop. One of the matters not to be missed is The Last Judgement frescoed in the cemetery chapel: an original and highly evocative portrayal in its simplicity.
We&´re now well and truly in Valle Spluga. Three further hours on foot will be required to complete the route along the Mezzacosta delle Lepontine, as far as Gallivaggio. From Olmo to San Bernardo you follow the municipal road. Heading down now to the valley bottom through a series of hanging groves.
