Via Calanca, Stage 2/2

This stage leads gently uphill into the narrow, wooded Calanca Valley. Huge moss-covered boulders lay along the trail or in the wild streams of the Calancasca. Baroque churches, impressive old buildings, vertical cliffs and a floodplain with rare amphibians line the ancient path.

From the Arvigo, Paese bus stop, the hike initially leads through the village and past the Cappella di San Giovanni. The white-red-white waymarked trail climbs steadily up the valley at a moderate gradient. Open meadows alternate with wooded sections, interspersed with the small settlements of Selma and Cauco. In this way, the nine-kilometre route gains its approximately 360 metres of elevation without any long, continuous ascent.

Beyond Masciadone, the surroundings become quieter again. The Cappella della Madonna Addolorata stands directly beside the trail in the middle of the forest. Santa Domenica and Augio follow before the final section climbs to Rossa. Shortly before the destination, the hike reaches its highest point at just under 1,100 m. A little later, it ends in the village of Rossa; the Rossa, Villaggio bus stop is only a few steps away. A little over two and a half hours should be allowed for the entire route.