Linescio-Campo Vallemaggia

After a winding road, arriving in Linescio is well worth the journey. As the first village in the valley, it impresses visitors with nearly 25 kilometres of dry-stone walls – an extraordinary testament to ingenuity and hard work that tells the story of centuries of rural life and still shapes the landscape today with striking terraces.

The route begins at the village church and winds past old stone houses and a scenic staircase framed by high stone walls. Gradually, hikers enter a dense mixed deciduous forest that has reclaimed land once intensively cultivated. Near Camvera, only the attentive observer will notice traces of the former rural civilisation: this place, inhabited until the 18th century and now almost vanished, retains a quiet, melancholic charm.

Continuing towards Collinasca, a hamlet of Cerentino adorned with a charming oratory, majestic chestnut trees line the path. Once carefully tended, they were essential to the survival of the local population and still evoke ancient traditions and knowledge.

From the main village of Cerentino, the trail leads to Piedipiodi and then to Niva, where wide meadows offer bright and relaxing views. Beyond the village, the path re-enters the forest towards Gròsa, where evocative traces of an abandoned settlement emerge – a timeless place that sparks the imagination.

Upon reaching Piano di Campo, the landscape suddenly opens up, revealing the famous landslide that long threatened to engulf the plateau. The hike ends in Campo (Vallemaggia), where the church is well worth a visit. It still bears visible marks of the geological movement that once endangered its stability – a tangible sign of nature’s power and the community’s resilience.

For the return journey, it is advisable to check the postbus timetable in advance so you can enjoy the experience with complete peace of mind.