BETWEEN WINTER AND SPRING ON THE ALTOPIANO DEL SOLE

The days are getting longer, the snow is slowly melting, the flora and fauna are beginning to awaken: March has officially begun and the Altopiano del Sole is preparing to change its colours according to the rhythms of nature.

In the period that marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, there is no shortage of days when the snow returns, like a blank canvas not yet ready to be painted again.

And it is precisely in this phase that it is possible to experience the mountains in a more intimate manner, discovering places where the meeting of the two seasons gives rise to truly marvellous views and landscapes.

What can we do on the Altopiano del Sole in March?

Here are some ideas:

WALK FROM BORNO TO CREELONE

We begin our list of things to do with a walk suitable for everyone, which passes through two of the villages on the Altopiano del Sole.

Near Via Don Moreschi in Borno the ‘Strada Vecchia’ starts, connecting the village with nearby Ossimo. A dirt track that, with gentle ups and downs, a valley, woods and meadows that in March host the typical yellow of primroses, reaches the panoramic terrace of Ossimo Superiore, just before Lamponeto.

From here, we cross the village streets to the junction for Creelone, where a nature trail runs to the right, while to the left we continue along the tarmac road overlooking the Val Camonica.

The first path has steeper sections than the second (although not very difficult), but for those who prefer the forest to tarmac it is definitely the best option.

The distance between Borno and Creelone is about 4 kilometres, which you can walk at your own pace, contemplating the surrounding landscape and breathing in the fresh mountain air, for a truly unique experience.

VISIT TO THE GHEZA VILLAS AND THE DAVINE STREAM WATERFALL

A particularly scenic attraction on the Altopiano del Sole is the Ville Gheza complex in Piamborno: a vast estate where the Art Nouveau villa, the grand wine cellar and the modern-style villa stand out.

Near the latter, walking along the avenue on the side that, further on, runs alongside the Davine stream, you’ll reach a clearing from where you can admire a waterfall.

During periods of heavy rain, this spectacle is even more impressive, not to be missed on sunny days once the frequent spring rains have subsided.

To access the villas and the waterfall of the Davine stream, it is necessary to contact the Bignotti family, which offers the opportunity for three types of guided itineraries with a visit and tasting in the wine cellar at the end.

VISIT TO THE LITTLE CHURCH OF SANTA CRISTINA IN LOZIO

The last destination of our early spring trip to the Altopiano del Sole is the little church of Santa Cristina, nestled between the spurs of the Concarena.

After a trek through unspoilt nature in the woods of the Lozio valley, about 40 minutes’ walk, you reach the point from where you can climb up to the little church, from where you can continue towards Sommaprada or higher altitudes.

The walk is not very demanding except for the rather steep final stretch, which can be covered in about an hour (one way) starting from Villa di Lozio.

Once at the little church, the curtain rises on the surrounding valley, giving visitors a truly breathtaking view.

The Altopiano del Sole is waiting for you to spend a March full of excitement.