Agarone-Alpe Ruscada-Capanna Borgna-Agarone

This challenging two-day mountain route starts at Agarone, a small village built on the mountainside, accessible by car or bus from Tenero/Gordola. The trail winds through the forest towards Gana. In the Vall del Pèsta there are mostly chestnut trees up to the Monti Velloni, then beech and firs. The route climbs through Alpe Sassello to the Forcola, then through an alpine landscape of larches and rocks to Capanna Borgna. The hut is unstaffed (open from May to October), located on a large alpine pasture with peaks in the background. It has a bathroom/shower, kitchen, and drinks can be purchased. The second day begins with the ascent to Passo di Ruscada, the highest point of the route. From here, experienced climbers can ascend Cima dell'Uomo (about 1 hour). From Passo di Ruscada, the Madonetto is followed, passing Alpe Ruscada, to Corte di Mezzo. From there, the route continues to Gana and descends to Agarone along the same trail as the ascent.

Warning: At Alpe Ruscada (up to Corte di Mezzo) there are flocks of sheep guarded by guard dogs.