The excursion starts from Valmadrera and enters the picturesque Val d’Inferno, following the course of the Inferno stream along the famous Sentiero delle Vasche (Path of the Pools): in this section, over time, the stream has carved small gorges into the rock, forming natural pools, waterfalls and passages between walls smoothed by erosion. The route passes through a surprising and little-known environment, where water and rock tell the long natural history of these mountains.
Leaving the gorge, the landscape opens up towards Tajasass, a place of great geological interest. Here you will find enormous erratic boulders of serpentine, transported by glaciers thousands of years ago from Valmalenco to these hills: they are true stone giants that bear witness to the passage of the ice and the transformations of the Alpine territory over the millennia.
The excursion continues to the San Tomaso plateau, one of the most picturesque viewpoints above Lake Como. Among open meadows and ancient barns, the view stretches from the peaks of the Corni di Canzo to the waters of the lake. During the months of flowering, the almond trees add an unexpected touch of colour to the landscape: we will stop here for a break, immersed in the tranquillity of this place. After the break, we will resume our walk along the paths that descend through meadows and woods, gradually returning to Valmadrera and ending the excursion at the starting point.
Programme
9:00 a.m. – Meeting and briefing in Valmadrera (LC) at Bar Tabaccheria Appiani
9:15 a.m. – Transfer to the car park near the Sanctuary of San Martino
9:30 a.m. – Start of the excursion
12:15 p.m. – Arrival in San Tomaso and possible visit to the Farming Museum (The visit to the museum is guaranteed if there are at least 10 participants. It must be selected at the time of booking and costs €2.00 per person, to be paid on site)
12:45 p.m. – Lunch break in San Tomaso
1:30 p.m. – Start of descent
2:30 p.m. – Arrival at the starting point