Sentiero Cristallina, Stage 1/3

Val Bavona or Bavona Valley is characterised by steep mountain slopes, wild vegetation, chestnut forests, many rocks and rustic hamlets. Even today, it is usually only inhabited in summer. The dwellings built under rocky outcrops are special.

The long route into the valley begins at the Bignasco, Posta bus stop. It passes through Bignasco and the parish church of San Michele before climbing into the forest. After a chapel, an unmarked section follows for a good kilometre, before the yellow-waymarked hiking trail leads to Fontana. The ascent continues between forest and open meadows via Sabbione; Ritorto, with its oratory, lies directly on the route.

Just over halfway, Foroglio is the most striking stop along the way. The waterfall lies slightly off the trail, while Ristorante La Froda and the oratory stand close to the route. Forest, pastures and small settlements then alternate. With constant ups and downs, the trail continues up the valley via Sonlerto. The total ascent amounts to around 900 metres. After about four and a half hours, the 13-kilometre hike ends at its highest point, at around 940 m, by the S. Carlo (Bavona), Ponte bus stop.