Departure point:
Domodossola (VB), Italy
How to get there:
By train: Domodossola Station, Ferrovie dello Stato. Timetables: http://www.trenitalia.com/; www.ffs.ch
By car: A26 motorway to Gravellona Toce, then SS33 Sempione, exit for Domodossola.
General Description:
The trail develops mainly at the bottom of the valley, across characteristic stone villages of the Antigorio Formazza Valleys and near the main road SS 659. The numerous possibilities for accomodation and eating along the valley allow you to choose the length of the stops depending on the level of preparation. The itinerary touches the main attractions of the valley: the Giants potholes (marmitte dei giganti), the Orridi di Uriezzo gorges, the Toce waterfall, the lakes of Upper Val Formazza.
The route:
From Domodossola station, following the cycling track, agricultural tracks and for short stretches on the road, you reach Crevoladossola at the level of the Lake Tana. Along the lake you follow for Oira, Pontemaglio, Alpiano Viceno, cross the Toce river and go up towards the center of Crodo. Go on to Verampio and follow the signs for the Orridi di Uriezzo cross Balmafredda, an imposing rock gorge. At the junction for Crego continue towards Premia and from here along the route Via del Gries (trail number G00). Reaching Cagiogno, you will go along the artificial lake of Piedilago, you will pass in front of the Terme di Premia and cross the big meadows along the Toce to then arrive in case Cini. Continue along the main road passing Foppiano and arriving at the entrance of the road tunnel that you will avoid going up the old hairpin bends of the Casse up to Fondovalle. Cross the Toce and go on along the farm track for Valdo and Ponte. At the ENEL Powerplant of Ponte go up to Brendo and once arrived at Canza continue on the track along the river, it will become a steep trail up to Sottofrua. Follow the road up to the top of the Toce waterfall, then towards Riale. Arrived at the Centro del Fondo of Riale you will leave the Via del Gries route, cross the river Toce and follow the road until the end up to Passo San Giacomo.
Useful information:
It is advisable to divide the itinerary in two days with an overnight stay in Ponte, Val Formazza.
Complex of thermal baths of Premia, SPA: http://www.premiaterme.com/
Where to eat:
• Pane Vino Beer Food & Wine, Frazione San Rocco, 28866 Premia tel. +39 340 8282458
• Bar Ristorante Cascata Toce Località Cascata del Toce, Formazza 28863 (VB) tel +39 0324 634130
• Ristorante Aalts Dorf Località Riale, Formazza 28863 (VB) tel. +39 0324 634355 http://www.aaltsdorf.it
• Rifugio Bim-Se Località Morasco, Formazza 28863 (VB), tel. +39 339 5953393 http://www.rifugio-bimse.it
• Ristorante Walser Schtuba Località Riale 28863 Formazza (VB) - tel. 0324.634352 - cell. 3393663330 http://www.locandawalser.it
• Rifugio Maria Luisa, Località Val Toggia 28866 Formazza VB, tel 0324 63086, http://www.rifugiomarialuisa.it/
