From Domodossola railway station, follow signs for the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway (the white and blue train leaves from the underground tunnel, info and timetables on the official website). Alight in Trontano, where the church and the hamlet of Castello with its remains of an ancient manor are worth a visit. Cross the village in an easterly direction to a house with frescoes, then climb along the nature trail of the Val Grande Park as far as Faievo. Just below the Parpinasca Refuge, follow signs for the Drisioni alpine pastures and from here towards Alpe Nava: admire the splendid views of the Ossola plain.
To reach the Parpinasca Refuge, where you can stay the night, head down to Alpe Pieso and Boschetti.
On the second day, return to Alpe Nava and continue on route A16 to reach Alpe Rina, where you’ll find the Alpe Menta camp used by Italian alpine troopers (Alpini). Via the characteristic Scala di Ragozzale steps carved into the rock, you reach the pass of the same name and the camp. The latter is the starting point for route P20, which leads to In La Piana, the silent heart of the Val Grande, where you can enjoy intimate contact with the most authentic nature. Be very careful in the section between the camp and the Mottac ridge, as the path is on a steep slope. Once you reach the ridge, leave path P20 and take path P20a which, almost flat, leads to the Passo di Basagrana pass. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view over the peaks of Ossola and the Val Grande.
Descend along route A14 up to just above Alpe Campo and then follow route A14a until you reach the Parpinasca Refuge again.
The third day is dedicated to returning to Trontano: ascend via path A14a until you cross path A14 and then follow this down to Alpe Graglia, Alpe Briasca and the small stone village of Verigo.
From the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway station in this last village, you’ll reach the Chapel of Verigo by crossing the village. Then take route M00a in the direction of Trontano. This beautiful mule track allows you to cross vineyards and reach the characteristic mills of the Rio Graglia, which are beautifully preserved. It finally reaches Trontano, behind which stand the peaks of Andolla and Weissmies.
