Via GeoAlpina - Stage 3: Prato Sornico-Cavergno

Starting in Prato-Sornico, not far from Peccia, home to the only marble to be quarried in Switzerland, this stage (the last section of the Via GeoAlpina in the Ticino Alps) leads up to Monti di Rima, a beautiful hamlet with typical stone houses. The route takes you through the Bosco di Müresc to Corte Grande on the Brünesc mountain, with stupendous views of the Lepontine Alps. Look out for the interesting geological features between Pizzo Massari to the north and Corona di Redorta to the south. The most important structure here is definitely the thrust fault between the Maggia and Simano folds, although this is not easily discerned as it forms a boundary between two rocks of a similar, relatively compact nature: Ruscada gneiss (light pink) below and Ganna gneiss (brown) above. Cattle are free to range here in the summer months. The landscape around Bocchetta di Fiorasca becomes typically alpine as the path heads towards to Val Bavona. It then drops down to the unmanned Rifugio Fiorasca hut. There follows a long, steep descent to Fontana. If you wish, you can spend the night in the hut and recharge your batteries before tackling the last section in the morning. The Antigorio Fold makes up most of the Bavona Valley, composed mainly of granite gneiss containing amphibolite fractions. The Val Bavona has several special features, including the Splüi: fallen rocks and boulders used as cellars, homes and shelters for humans and livestock. On reaching Fontana you can catch the PostBus to Cavergno.