From isola to Pian dei Cavalli as far as san Sisto, a biking itinerary in the tracks of hunters in mesoithic times.
A fine outing from Isola to Val Febbraro, going up to Frondaglio and crossing the Pian dei Cavalli, Lago Bianco and then back via San Sisto. That&´s the route of the new bicycle path proposed by the Comunità Montana Valchiavenna, which will be active by summertime. A fairly demanding loop, to be tackled on a muscle bike or e-bike but with panorama all along the way and fascinating little nooks to appreciate, the waterfalls at Val Febbraro and celebrated Carden-style baite - residences in local stone and wood.
The new cycle path will play a key part in the Gravel Marathon Valle Spluga, under way on the 25th September, which involves a route of 115 kilometres with an impressive height differential of 3394 metres. In addition to the track, the refuge in Baldiscio near lago Grande at 2300 m will soon be throwing open its doors. It&´s a building that sleeps 13 in the refuge section - open only in summer - and eight within the bivouac - accessible all year round. It was constructed using innovative green building techniques and uses solar panels for energy.
The furnishings have been produced by students on a course at the Legno Arredo dell’Istituto Professionale Crotto Caurga in Chiavenna in collaboration with the Consorzio Forestale Boschi di Isola, which supplied materials at km 0. Some of the raw materials come from the ‘Scavàsch’ locality at Isola where some pools have been established to assist the reproduction and protection of amphibians: a rare intervention within the province of Sondrio aimed at restoring and maintaining the natural habitat. Whether on bicycle on foot, an outing along the new cycle path should prove one of the most attractive features of summertime: a perfect opportunity also to explore the area of the Lepontine alps, halting along the way to take in an exhibition at the historic church of San Martino at Isola.
EN PLACES TO SEE
The church of Saints Martino and Giorgio at Isola was built in 1400, enlarged and frescoed in 1522, and is one of the oldest in the valley, undergoing further extensions up until 1797. It&´s already a fascinating visit even in the churchyard, and inside since 2014 restoration work has returned an ancient baptismal font and other treasures to their former splendour, and established an impressive exhibition of sacred art inaugurated in 2017. We are now in the final phase of work on the crypt or first church of the XIII century in Isola, remaining only for further important treasures to be put in place, including a parchment from 1265. The exhibition is open on request and after the celebration of Masses.
