Valsolda

This route allows you to discover Valsolda, an area that spans from Porlezza on lake Lugano to the Swiss border. The itinerary offers enchanting views and passes through charming villages. You start at Porlezza and, mostly along secondary roads, cycle up to Loggio (377 m). From here, a track leads past a beautiful waterfall formed by the river Soldo, to Puria. The ride continues into the valley to the little settlement of Camporgna 700 m the highest point of this itinerary. A path then leads to the settlement Muzzaglio, from where a splendid mule track descends to the charming village Castello from where you cycle back to Puria to complete the circle.

Itinerary: Porlezza – Loggio – Puria – Camporgna – Muzzaglio – Castello – Puria – Loggio – Porlezza

Description

From Porlezza follow the State road 340 in the direction Lugano and at the entrance of the tunnel take the former state road which after one kilometer ends onto the state road 340 again. Follow it for 1.5 km until you reach Cima where from Piazza Peppino e Angelo Selva, you turn right into via Remo Gozzo. At the end of the street turn left and continue along via 6 Caduti.

At the junction, keep to the right continue along via Caravina, which after 400 m arrives at the Sanctuary of the Caravina which deserves a visit.

Once at the cemetery, follow via Santuario to the village Cresogno. From here continue along via G. Finali which at the end of the village becomes a steep track. After dealing with some steps the track leads onto the road via Sasso Rosso Dasio. You soon arrive at the village Loggio (alt 377 m).

At the height of the bus stop, you turn left and enter the historical center along Via Lucia and Via Galbiati. A flight of steps lead to the church of San Bartolomeo. Here you take via della Cascata that leads down to a waterfall. The cobble stone track ascends to the village Puria. Cross the road and continue uphill along via S. Rocco. After having dealt with some steps you continue along a cobble stone track that offers a nice view of the valley and the village Castello.

The track ends onto a parking space where you continue straight on along the dirt track. Cross Ponte Bizzo, and after 50 meters, just before a next small bridge, turn right and follow track n° 7. At a junction where there is a little chapel continue straight on. Once at Camporgna (alt. 700 m) you leave track n° 7 and go left along track n° 16. It leads onto a dirt track which you follow to the right.

After 500 meters, at the height of a wooden sign with an orange arrow, enter the trail to the left. Follow the signs that lead to Muzzaglio. Just past the church, at the crossing, continue right in the direction of Castello. Cross the bridge over the river and follow the splendid mule track to Castello. Once at the cemetery of Castello follow the road back to Puria. From here back the way you came.

Note: We highly recommend a visit of the the beautiful village Castello. It takes its name from the ancient fortifications, which in mediaeval times were known as “Castello Albogasio”. The village retains the semi-circular layout of the old defensive walls. Not to be missed is the S.Martino church with beautiful frescos in the vault painted in 1697 by Paolo Pagani, born at Castello. In his old mansion a museum has been created with a collection of works of local artists between the XIV and XIX century. (info: tel. + 39 0344 62427).

Directions & Parking

Map directions →