Trans Swiss Trail, Stage 25/32

Far down in the valley, traffic roars on the motorway, while peace reigns up on the Strada alta. Magnificent view of the Leventina and Val Bedretto mountain ranges. Bright chapels gleam in villages and meadows. Osco was once an important centre for the transport of goods by pack animals.

The starting point is just a few steps from the Airolo bus stop. The mountain trail leaves the houses behind and alternates between open meadows and woodland. At the Oratorio di Sant’Antonio abate, it passes the first small church; later, the route heads to Brugnasco and the Oratorio di San Barnaba.

The route continues to climb via Altanca, where the osteria lies close to the trail. Not far from Forca, it reaches its highest point at around 1'420 m. Ronco and Deggio follow. East of the village, the Oratorio di San Martino stands on elevated ground, slightly apart from its surroundings; the mountain trail passes directly by it. Between open slopes, stretches of woodland and small settlements, the route continues via San Martino to Lurengo, passing Agritourismo da Paolin.

In the final third, the trail loses more elevation and reaches the church of San Bernardo before Freggio. It continues through woodland and across meadows to Osco. Shortly before the destination stands San Maurizio; a few steps later, the hike ends at the Osco, Paese bus stop.