Pian di Gembro Nature Reserve loop (1350 m)

After crossing the small bridge before the Pian di Gembro (1350 m) road sign, leave the asphalt to pass by a refreshment point and continue along the pedestrian path that descends to the edge of the peat bog. This part of the Nature Reserve might not seem particularly dangerous, presenting itself as a wet area completely covered in vegetation often found in the mountains. But it is better not to be deceived: as the numerous signs communicate, it is very dangerous to take even a few steps into the ponds, which respond to body weight like real quicksand. Staying on the marked path ensures no danger. The metal walkway passes a small group of Scots pines and birches and leads onto a dirt road; continue the route keeping to the right. After a few steps on the left, you can reach the reserve’s educational room where you can observe some terrariums set up with the local flora and fauna. For the more observant, a trolley and some rails will be easy to spot; these testify to the peat extraction activity carried out in the first half of the 1900s. Right behind the educational room, it is possible to walk a short wooden footbridge that allows observation of the “eye of the peat bog.” The route continues on the dirt road until reaching the start of the Monte della Croce Historical Military Trail. The path continues and descends from the road on the left to reach an artificial lake formed by peat extraction. Past the lake, turn right to reach the small church of San Fortunato; here the view over the Valtellina is unique and worth a photo. Returning towards the small lake, resume the dirt road on the left and enter a forest of red firs. The road rises slightly until reaching the huts at Valcheola (at this point the path meets trail 349, which climbs from Aprica). Continue on the road, passing a brief descent, until you find a turnoff on the right that leads east and back to the start of the route. After crossing the last two wooden footbridges, you return to the starting point.