An extraordinary itinerary, full of charm and splendour with breathtaking panorama all along the way by Mauro Premerlani, CAI Chiavenna. Yes indeed, the route from Pra Princée up to Alpe Campo. It’s a genuinely exhilarating outing for anyone who has decent enough legs to get them there and back in around five hours. The hiker finds himself within nature itself. Priceless. A quintessential Alpine habitat which has remained completely unchanged with landscapes and views that make light of any effort involved in getting there. A detailed route can be sought out prior to departure but here’s just a taste of what to expect: Get a pass from
one of the bars in Gordona to allow access to the road to Val Bodengo. Park up at Pra Pincée a little after the Donadivo restaurant. The path towards Alpe Campo is well sign-posted.
The first stretch involves a gentle climb taking you through woodland of alder, willow, birch and maple. Follow the signs indicating the wild, secluded and wondrous Valle Garzelli.
After a clearing and a decisive shift to the left, next up is the Caduta dei Giganti a massive wall of dark rock up above. Rock climbing country. Now a steep, twisting path, pine forest followed by a change to larch and a rich undergrowth of rhododendron and blueberry. And so to Alpe Campo (1656 m) with its gathering of mountains huts under the rocky outcrops. Imposing mountains all around. Tranquillity.
Heading left and east now to a plateau boasting larch trees, red and white arrows on boulders confirm the way to Alpe Borlasca. Magnificent views North, South, East and West; below – mixed forests of beech, fir and birch.
The path continues along twists and turns to Bedolina (946m). The church there dedicated to the Madonna della Consolazione has a particularly rich history – well worth looking into. The return route takes in part of the track towards Mt. Garzelli, the footbridge over the Boggia and finally back to Pra Pincèe.
