Its sunny Southern nature belies this rather barren, but in its way beautiful, area. A three-day hike, called the Sentiero alto, is an excellent way of getting to know this interesting valley up close and personal. The hike connects Loderio with Olivone.
The beginning is quite steep, since hikers will climb from 1500 to 1900 m.a.s.l. in very little time. Then one is on the top and the views more than reward one's efforts. Picturesque villages, that seem not to have changed much since their inception centuries ago, the wildly growing vegetation and the panorama as far as the eye can see. Sleep in Alp Püsced in a former alpine hut. Hikers can spend the next night either at the Ostello Cancorì in the ski resort Nara or in Alp Gorda. In Alp Gorda, early risers have the chance of watching a shepherd make cheese. After Gorda, the trail follows a muleteer's track that crosses the Lucomagno Pass via Ponte Valentino. In the village of Camperio be sure to view the 700-year-old hospice and admire the lovely belfries in Olivone.
How to get there:
Drive or take public transportation from Bellinzona to Biasca, there take the Swiss post bus to Loderio di Biasca.