VAL GRANDE NATIONAL PARK

The steep Val Grande Nature Park has been declared an integral nature reserve, and due to the difficult nature of some of the trails, it is best to be accompanied by a guide. Wild and mysterious, it is home to the rock engravings of Alpe Prà, Cicogna and Sassoledo, small chapels and the "Linea Cardona", military fortifications from the First World War. The area's rich vegetation is dominated by chestnut, alder, willow, ash and yew trees, not to mention the flowers in spring and summer. The chamois is the park's emblematic animal, but there are also roe deer, wild boar, foxes and golden eagles.

Verbano. Monte Faié (1,352 m), accessible in around 1 hour from Alpe Ompio between woods and pastures, is the most beautiful destination in the Verbano area, with views of Mount Pedum. From Santino, you can reach Ompio on the asphalt road.

The hamlet of Piancavallo is the most popular destination, with three itineraries, first on carriage roads and then on footpaths, for those wishing to climb La Marona (2,051 m) or Zeda (2,156 m) and contemplate an exceptional panorama.

Crossing the park. The traverse from Malesco to Colloro takes two days, with an overnight stay at the La Pinan bivouac or the Val Gabbio bivouac. A sleeping bag is required. For experienced hikers only.

Valle Cannobina. Steep gradient. Open, unsupervised bivouac. From Provola, head towards Daila, taking the path that enters the beech woods of the valley where the Cannobino torrent rises. This leads to the Alpe Uovo or Bocchetta di Terza refuge.

Valle Vigezzo. Significant vertical drop. Unsupervised, open bivouac. From Malesco, an 8 km carriage road leads to Val Loana and the side valley of Rio Basso. Trails lead to Alpe Scaredi, which offers exceptional views of the Swiss Alps and the Monte Rosa massif.

Valle Ossola. Climbing up behind Trontano, it takes 2 hours to reach the Parpinasca mountain pastures, a veritable balcony overlooking the upper Ossola. Further south, a path from Beura leads to various alpine pastures, home to "Beola", a typical local stone. From Promosello Chiovenda, you can head for Colloro and the sunny meadows of Capraga, or for the little church of Lut.