From the small lakeshore square in front of the Town Hall of Cannobio, take Via Sasso Carmine to cross the centre; go past the Church and take the pedestrian footbridge that crosses the Cannobino Stream. At the end of the bridge turn left and you are on the cycle-pedestrian path that runs along the Cannobino Stream on the left bank as far as Orrido di Sant'Anna, a spectacular gorge dug into the rocks by the Cannobino Stream. Climb to Traffiume and reach the chapel "di Coss", leaving the town of Traffiume behind you, where the start of the walk of Via Borromeo - Circuit of San Carlo ideally begins and continues halfway up the slope as far as Cavaglio. Once past the town, take a left for Ponte Falmenta at the junction for Gurrone. From the provincial road of Valle Cannobina cross the stream and climb back up to Crealla on a spectacular stepped mule track. Continue halfway up the slope in a shady wood crossing the deep valley and climb back up to Falmenta.

The particularly fascinating territory of Valle Cannobina still preserves the unspoilt appearance of the past. The landscape is marked by the testimonies of traditional rural life, based on subsistence farming. The villages are characterised by unexpected views, ancient houses with votive paintings on the façades, small squares, rustic stone fountains, which can be discovered by walking along the narrow pedestrian streets. Some panoramic viewpoints allow you to look towards the other side of the valley with the wild mountains of the Valgrande National Park. In Crealla there is an ancient alphabet painted on the outside wall of the parish house.

Possibility of refreshment in Lunecco and Ponte Falmenta

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