LANZO – SIGHIGNOLA (MT 1302), BALCONY OF ITALY
It’s a destination easily accessible from the resort of Lanzo(departure from the old ski lift)
both for those who go on foot and for bikers; along the way there is a pic-nic area equipped by the municipality.
Avoid the possible deviations from the main trail, because some lead to cliffs. At the top, from the so-called "Balcony of Italy", you can enjoy a panorama that sweeps from the lake of Lugano, the Grison Alps, the Monviso to the Apennines. Time: 1.5-2 hours - Difficulty: “F+”.
INDICATIONS TO REACH THE STARTING POINT:
Reached loc. Lanzo follow the signs “CENTRO” for reach the church of San Siro in the middle of the village:
Once here take the road on the left of the church
Continue on via A. Spazzi until you reach the old ski lift (before arriving at the starting point you will see the cimitery of Lanzo on your left)
At the starting point (the old ski lift) park the car and choose between two paths:
- The mule track (mulattiera) leads to the top of Sighignola: 1 hour and 40 minutes - 4 km - difference of altitude: almost 400 m
- Paths 8 - 8a (sign on the left)
Path 8 - BÜIS E GROTA DI GAI: 3h 30 - 8 km - difference of altitude 415 m - level H (Hikers)
Starting from "Valle dei Saraceni", follow directions towards Büis, you willget to a crossroads from which it is possible to proceed on the right towards "Büis Alto" and "Vetta Sighignola" or on the left towards "Büis Basso" with possible deviation to the "Grota di Gai" (cave built during First World War); from here, it is possible to get back passing through "Mara". Getting back on the track towards "Büis Basso" you get to the deviation for the path n. 8a that leads to Arogno; taking the path on the right, after a short ascent, you will get to a look-out on the Lake Lugano and to the possibility of getting on the ski slope or at the mule track that takes you back to the starting point. If you decide to keep climbing up, you will reach the "Sighignola Peak" with possible excursion to the little church of "Alpini"; after that you can take a path that will bring you on Via Sighignola and after an hundred meters you can take the track on the left towards "Meriggio" and then on the right the path towards "Funtanin de Piasc" leading to the starting point.
Path 8a - CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF SIGHIGNOLA PEAK: 6h - 14 km - difference of altitude 820 m - level EH (Expert Hikers)
Starting from "Valle dei Saraceni" and following the direction towards "Büis", you will get to a crossroads where you will take the left trackthat leads to "Büis Basso"; after that, take the deviation towards Arogno till "Garavina", where you will continue on the right towards "S. Vitale" and take the path leading to "Alpe di Pugerna". Continuing on that way you will get to "Alpetto" and "Alpe di Trevino"; go on till "Meriggio" locality and then follow the last part of path n. 8.