The beginning of the day is bittersweet. Bitter for those who tackle the ascent to Alpe Foppa on their own, up the steep road, sweet for the others who take the gondola to ride 1100 meters in altitude. However, for both groups a stop at the chapel designed by Mario Botta is absolutely mandatory. The views from the observation deck across the Magadino Plain with Locarno and Bellinzona, of Sotto Ceneri and Monte Bar, where we were yesterday, are amazing.

But the last part of the ascent is still ahead of us. It is another 330 meters in altitude up a steep, rough gravel road to the radio antenna. Although this would be another excellent place to enjoy the panorama, the focus is now on the single trail. It runs from Capanna Tamaro, first along the northern mountainside, but at the small junction, you take a left onto the single trail, which is initially a bit tricky, but it gets easier as time goes on.

The descent leads to Arosio, primarily on single trails, and then continues up and down through the Malcantone region to Miglieglia. The pretty village at the foot of Monte Lema is where this superb single trail route ends – unquestionably a highlight of the Ticino.