Blenio walks

The ascent of Cassinello Peak is a wonderful excursion through wild mountain terrain. Although fully signposted, this route is distinctly high-mountain in character and requires vigilance whilst climbing , as well as a good sense of direction and an understanding of the terrain to find the path to the summit.

This second stage of the Vier Quellen Weg will take you from Cappana Vermigel to the Hospice da Saint Gothard. Although this route does not take you to a spring, reaching the Saint Gothard Pass serves as a reminder that the eponymous massif is home to the four sources featured on the route: the Rhine, the Reuss, the Ticino and the Rhône.

The day's programme includes a climb of nearly 2,000 metres. In the village of Pollegio, follow the signs for Biasca. In the centre of Biasca, at the foot of the imposing San Carlo church, signs indicate the direction for Capanna Cava via Svall. The trail passes by a few grotti (restaurants set up in caves), then climbs fairly steeply to reach an old road. The signs are still there. The path continues through a chestnut grove and leads to Svall (a few houses and a water source). Above the chalets, the climb is still quite steep until you reach an altitude of 1,900 metres. Then the trail becomes very pleasant until you reach Forcarella di Cava. Capanna Cava is now in sight. It takes just 15 minutes to reach it.Markings: White-Red-White.

This magnificent Four Springs Trail (Vier Quellen Weg) will take you to the headwaters of the Rhine, the Reuss, the Ticino and the Rhône. You’ll pass through the cantons of Uri, Graubünden, Ticino and Valais, crossing six major mountain passes: the Maighels Pass, the Sella Pass, the Gotthard Pass, the Lucendro Pass, the Nufenen Pass and the Furka Pass.

This first stage of the Vier Quellen Weg will take you from the Oberalppass to the Capanna Vermigel. During the day, you’ll discover Lake Tuma, one of the sources of the Rhine. An engraved marker indicates this source. As you climb towards the Col de Maighels, you’ll walk alongside another branch of the Rhine (Rein da Maighels), which has its source at the Maighels Glacier.

A superb route that crosses the famous St Gotthard Pass. You will set off from Airolo, a pretty Italian-speaking village, and arrive at the famous German-speaking resort of Andermatt. You will spend a night at the Ospizio del San Gottardo. This pass, which is very busy during the day with numerous tourists, quickly returns to calm and tranquillity in the evening.

This first stage will take you to the St Gotthard Pass. The village of Airolo is located at the foot of two major Swiss passes: the Nufenen Pass and the Gottardo Passo. The climb to St Gotthard is challenging, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 metres over less than seven kilometres. At times, the trail follows the old St Gotthard road, which is entirely paved all the way to the pass.

Passo Giümela marks the border between the cantons of Ticino and Graubünden. From Capanna Cava, head to the farm at Alpe de Cava, continue down the gravel road to Alpe di Sceng, then Fontai. In this small hamlet, follow the signs for Ponte di Sceng, cross the Lesguïna via the bridge and climb back up to Biborgh. The path continues towards Alpe de Lesgiüna (goat farm). The trail (with cables and steps) is quite steep until Alpe de Giümela. Continue to Passo Giümela, which marks the entrance to the canton of Graubünden. Descend to Alpe de Naucal and follow the signs for Rossa. Take this road to the first houses. Behind the small chapel, the path descends directly to Rossa.Markings: White-Red-White.

More than 2,000 metres of descent are on the agenda for the day. The trail to Passo Gagnone starts just behind the Capanna d'Efra. This is the only climb of the day. From the pass, the long descent begins, first into Val Gagnone and then to Bedra. The trail then enters the woods and overlooks the torrent. A few houses along the way in Marzoch, Gallina and Monastei allow you to check your position on the map. The path continues along the torrent to Bacino Val d'Ambra. Continue downhill to reach the village of Personico. Then follow the signs for Pollegio/Biasca to the bridge that crosses the Ticino river. Continue along the path to an underpass beneath the motorway to finally enter the village of Pollegio.Markings: GR® White-Red-White. Via Alpina Red R87.

This third stage of the Vier Quellen Weg will take you from the Hospice da Saint Gothard to Capanna Piansecco. During the day, you’ll walk alongside the stunning Lake Lucendro. As you approach the Col de Lucendro, you’ll discover one of the sources of the Reuss (Gothardreuss). The final stretch of the route leading to Capanna Piansecco overlooks the Ticino.

This second stage will take you to the charming village of Andermatt. Descending from the Passo Gottardo, you will follow the Gotthardreuss to Hospental, which joins the Furkareuss to form the Reuss. You will quickly leave theItalian-speaking canton of Ticinoand enter the German-speaking canton of Uri. Andermatt is a renowned winter sports resort.

Final stage to reach San Bernardino. From Rossa, follow the road to the hamlet of Valbella (bottom of Val Calanca). The trail continues on the right bank of the Calancacasca torrent. At Alpe de Lögna, turn right towards Pass di Passit. In a chaotic setting, after a first lake, Pass di Passit is easily reached. After the pass, reach the second lake and continue along the high-altitude trail. Descend towards Lago d'Isola. Head towards Ponte di Cal and descend towards San Bernardino along the Ri di Confin.Markings: White-Red-White.

This loop can be completed in a day, but it is more comfortable to spend the night in the welcoming Windgällenhütte. A beautiful balcony trail once you have crossed the very steep Bockistock corridor. The steep climb is then rewarded. Swimming is possible in the charming little Golzerensee lake.

A two-day route in magnificent surroundings with stunning panoramic views of the peaks of the canton of Uri and Lake Lucerne. The hike presents no major difficulties, with a few sections secured by chains on the second day, though these pose no difficulty in dry weather. There is also little shade.

A two-day hike with an overnight stay at the Sunniggrathütte. This route takes you up to the Sunniggrathütte along the Leitschachbach The ascent suggested here is steady but offers little shade. A more direct but steeper ascent is possible by taking the path at the far end of the lake

Hike up to the Sunnig Grat (2,034 m) from Lake Arnisee and enjoy the panoramic views of numerous peaks in the canton of Uri, stretching as far as Lake Lucerne and Lucerne itself. Stop at the Sunniggrathütte to leave your rucksacks and have a snack or spend the night. Return via the same route.

The hike starts at the Sunniggrathütte (see Day 1) and follows the Hohenweg, which leads to the Leutschachhütte, before descending along the Leitschachbach to reach the Arnisee and the cable car

A magnificent hike in Val Bavona, dotted with typical stone houses. Park at the beautiful spot called Ritorto. Follow the small forest path along the Bavona for about 1 km before arriving at the very picturesque and authentic village of Foroglio, which you cross in the direction of Calneggia. You then climb very quickly up the 100 metres of the waterfall via a path consisting of numerous stone steps. You will then arrive in Val Calneggia, where you will pass a few small stone houses and cross a small bridge. The hike then follows the stream to the alpine village of Calneggia, surrounded by a cirque. Return by the same route, accompanied by the sound of the crystal-clear stream. Magnificent!

Descent to Val Maggia. The Maggia flows into Lake Maggiore between Ascona and Locarno. From Capanna Alzasca, follow the direction of Cevio. At Corte di Fondo, take the path on the right that descends to Cascata del Soladino and then Val Maggia. The trail continues on the right bank of the Maggia and passes through Lodano and Moghegno opposite the village of Maggia. On leaving Moghegno, cross the Maggia and continue on the left bank through Ronchini and finally Gordevio.Markings: White-Red-White.