This route is a variant of the second stage and allows you, once arrived in Gurro, to go directly to Cursolo, shortening and simplifying the route considerably. This stage coincides with a stretch of the Via Geoalpina created by the Valgrande National Park for the great geological interest of the Valle Cannobina.

From the hostel in Falmenta you cross the whole village in the direction of the church. Here you take the mule track on the left that crosses the upper part of the village and climbs the hillside towards Gurro along the southern side of Monte Riga. With a last, steeper stretch you reach Mergugna, cross the ridge and then descend to Gurro. You cross the village and in the area of the church you take the mule track that goes down to Ponte Teia. Once you cross the T. Cannobino stream go up again to come across the Valle Cannobina provincial road and you follow it to the right for about 650 m until you reach Airetta. From here take the mule track again that climbs steeply until it comes to the beautiful Orasso-Cursolo mule track: turn left and you will soon reach Cursolo.

The stage coincides with a stretch of the Via Geoalpina, developed by the Valgrande National Park for the great geological interest that the Valle Cannobina represents. In Gurro it is possible to visit the Geological Museum and the Ethnographic Museum of Gurro and the Valle Cannobina which collects traditional objects and costumes of the valley. The visit itinerary is structured in environments that reconstruct the typical domestic contexts of Valle Cannobina. You can also admire the ancient "Casa San Carlo" in Gurro where the Saint is believed to have slept during his pastoral journey in the valley.

Possibility of refreshment and accommodation in Gurro

A26 Motorway to Verbania then SS 34 del Lago Maggiore to Cannobio. Falmenta can be reached from both Cannobio and Val Vigezzo along the Valle Cannobina provincial road. It is a very narrow road with bends that requires extreme caution when driving.

Source: Unione del Lago Maggiore
Itinerary code: CSC
Recommended period: April-November
Historical interest: Yes
Devotional interest: Yes
Access by public transport: Yes
Provinces crossed: Distretto dei Laghi

The principal station is Verbania Pallanza. Scheduled buses depart from there for Cannobio. Buses depart from Cannobio (there are very few runs, sometimes just one a day) for the towns of Valle Cannobina. For timetables consult www.vcotrasporti.it. Cannobio can also be reached by the boats operated by Navigazione Lago Maggiore www.navigazionelaghi.it