Draft:Bove Path
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The Sentiero Bove (Bove Path) is one of the most iconic hiking routes in the Italian Alps, having as starting and finishing point the town of Cicogna. This path is recognized for being the first via ferrata (iron path) and Alta Via (high-altitude trail) in the region. Located in the Val Grande National Park, the trail is named after Giacomo Bove (1852–1887), an Italian explorer and navigator. Bove’s tragic death led to the creation of the path as a memorial to his legacy[1].
Il Sentiero Bove | |
---|---|
Length | 36 km (22 mi) |
Trailheads | Circular Trail |
Use | Hiking, via ferrata |
Elevation change | 3,500 m (11,500 ft) |
Difficulty | Only experts |
Website | https://www.parcovalgrande.it/sentiero-bove.php |
Geographical Location
[edit]The Bove Path is located within the Val Grande National Park, which lies entirely in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, specifically within the borders of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province. The path offers panoramic views of both the Pennine Alps and the Lepontine Alps. This protected area is recognized as one of the largest wilderness reserves in Italy [2].
The trail is surrounded by notable features:
To the south and southwest, the trail offers views of Lake Maggiore, one of the largest lakes in Italy on the north leads to the Vigezzo Valley, also called the "Valley of the Painters" and the northwest side is bordered by the Valle Cannobina. To the west, the trail overlooks the Val d’Ossola, a major valley system that connects to the Simplon Pass and provides access to Switzerland[3].
History
[edit]Origins as a Pastoral Path
[edit]The origins of the Bove Path can be traced back to ancient times when it was primarily used by local shepherds and farmers for the seasonal movement of livestock. The route, originally a network of pastoral paths, facilitated the movement of cattle from the Verbano region to the higher Ossola valleys in search of better grazing areas during the summer months. These paths were essential for the transhumance (seasonal migration of livestock) and were vital to the local economy, allowing the livestock to graze in the mountains during the warmer months and return to the lower valleys during the winter.[3]
The historical role of these pastoral paths contributed to the development of the modern-day Bove Path, linking not just geographical areas but also the agricultural and cultural heritage of the region[1].
In 1880, a fundraising event was held in Intra to support Giacomo Bove’s planned Antarctic expedition. However, after Bove’s death in 1887, the funds raised were redirected to construct a memorial in his honor. This memorial idea inspired the creation of the trail itself, which emerged in 1889.
Development of the Bove Path
[edit]In 1890, the CAI Verbano (Italian Alpine Club) appointed Antonio Garoni, a renowned local alpine guide, to design and construct the path. The trail was built along the ridges between Monte Zeda and Bocchetta di Terza, and the first section was completed in 1891. The final extension to Bocchetta di Scaredi was finished by 1892 [3].
The Bove Path was groundbreaking, as it combined mountaineering techniques with hiking. It featured the use of iron ladders and chains fixed to rock faces, aiding climbers in navigating difficult terrain. By 1892, it was recognized as one of the first multi-day hiking routes in the Alps, connecting the Verbano and Ossola valleys through a rugged, high-altitude landscape [4]. The trail quickly gained attention, with Carlo Gabardini, the vice president of the CAI Verbano-Intra Section, calling it "the prince of Italian paths" in 1899, noting its innovative nature as the first high-altitude trail and via ferrata in Italy [1].
Decline and Rediscovery
[edit]After World War II, the Bove Path fell into disrepair. Harsh weather conditions, lack of maintenance, and the passage of time led to the deterioration of the path, especially in its more challenging sections. By the late 1970s, only traces of the original trail remained, hidden in the rocky folds of the Torrione section. In 1977, members of the CAI Verbano-Intra branch, including Gualtiero Rognoni, began a concerted effort to rediscover and restore the trail [3]. Over several years, they retraced the original path from Monte Zeda to Bocchetta di Terza, uncovering remnants of Garoni’s work, though parts of the trail, particularly in the Torrione area, were still concealed[1].
The major breakthrough came in 1983, when Achille Montani, another experienced guide, discovered the original iron anchors installed by Garoni on Monte Torrione. This discovery enabled the full restoration of the trail. By 1984, the Bove Path was reopened to the public, fully restored and secured with chains
[4]. Further restoration efforts were carried out in the 1990s to mark the centenary of the trail and ensure its safety and accessibility [5].
Despite setbacks, including the removal of chains by vandals in 1987, local communities and the Val Grande National Park remained committed to maintaining the path. In 2019, a final series of interventions were carried out to secure the section between Piancavallone and Monte Zeda, ensuring the trail’s continued longevity [5].
Modern-Day Status
[edit]Today, the Bove Path remains a popular but demanding trail for experienced hikers. It is typically completed in 3-4 days and is considered one of the most challenging hiking routes in the Italian Alps. The trail includes sections that require both hiking and climbing, making it a combination of an alpine climbing route and a scenic hiking path[1].
The trail is maintained by the CAI Verbano and the Val Grande National Park, with regular updates to improve safety and accessibility. Significant restoration work was completed in 2019, ensuring the Bove Path’s place as a key hiking destination in the region[5]. The trail is part of the Alta Via del Verbano, a long-distance hiking route that highlights the natural beauty and historical significance of the area[5].
Trail Overview and Detailed Route of the Bove Path
[edit]This demanding circular trail covers approximately 36 kilometers, with a total elevation gain of around 3,500 meters, making it suitable only for experienced hikers with a high level of physical fitness and alpine trekking experience, stating at level EE (Escursionisti Esperti) on the CAI difficulty level.
From Cicogna to Alpe Curgei
[edit]The trail starts in the mountain village of Cicogna at 732 meters elevation. Hikers follow the historic Sutermeister road, a traditional mule track that descends to the Buia Bridge over the Rio Pogallo. This section involves a steady ascent through dense woodlands, reaching Alpe Curgei at 1,358 meters. This area is known for its lush forests and serves as an introduction before the more strenuous sections ahead.
From Pian Cavallone to Monte Zeda
[edit]From Alpe Curgei, the path climbs towards Pian Cavallone, offering views of the Monte Rosa massif. The trail then heads north to Passo della Forcola, followed by a steep ascent to the summit of Pizzo Marona. This segment features exposed ridgelines that demand careful footing, ultimately leading to the prominent peak of Monte Zeda (2,156 meters). Monte Zeda is historically significant due to the Linea Cadorna, a series of World War I military fortifications.[6]
From Monte Zeda to Passo delle Crocette
[edit]Descending from Monte Zeda, hikers reach the alpine pastures of Alpe Fornà, before ascending again along the ridge dividing Val Pogallo and Val Cannobina. This section leads to Passo delle Crocette, a narrow and exposed mountain pass with chains installed for safety. The trail also crosses near the Torri di Terza, characterized by rocky outcrops that present some of the most technically challenging parts of the route.
From Eastern Ridge to Bocchetta di Campo
[edit]Continuing along the eastern ridge, the trail skirts the Cima delle Marsicce, providing views of the surrounding wilderness. Hikers then descend to the secluded valley known as Il Fiume and reach the Cortechiuso bivouac. From here, a climb leads to Bocchetta di Scaredi, followed by a traverse to Bocchetta di Campo. Notably, this section has limited water sources, requiring hikers to carry ample supplies. The route passes close to Monte Pedum, considered the heart of the Val Grande wilderness.[6]
Return to Cicogna
[edit]The final segment involves descending through the alpine meadows of Alpe Cavrua and then a steep drop to Corte di Pogallo, a former pastoral settlement.The trail reconnects with the historic Sutermeister road, guiding hikers back to Cicogna, thus completing the loop.
Terrain and Via Ferrata
[edit]Parts of the Bove Path trail resemble a via ferrata, particularly between Monte Zeda and Passo delle Crocette. Here, hikers will encounter chains and iron footholds secured to steep rock faces.Due to the trail's exposed nature, it is recommended to carry helmets, harnesses, and climbing gloves for safety.[6]
Geology
[edit]Metamorphic Rock Composition
[edit]The Val Grande National Park, home to the Bove Path, is primarily composed of metamorphic rocks, including gneiss and schist. These rocks were formed under high pressure and temperature conditions during the Alpine orogeny, the geological event that shaped the Alps millions of years ago[1]. The rugged terrain and steep cliffs along the trail are a direct result of these intense geological processes.
UNESCO Recognition
[edit]The park is recognized by UNESCO as an area of geological significance, highlighting its valuable contribution to the understanding of Alpine metamorphism and tectonics[2]. Along the trail, visitors can observe geological features such as folded rock layers, fault lines, and mineral veins, which showcase the dynamic history of the region.
Glacial Influence
[edit]In addition to metamorphism, glacial activity has also shaped the landscape. During the last Ice Age, glaciers carved deep valleys and left behind features like cirques and moraines, adding to the park’s geological diversity[7].
Flora
[edit]Val Grande National Park safeguards an important botanical heritage. Thanks to its diverse environments, from humid valley floors to high alpine peaks, the park’s flora is varied.
Lake Maggiore’s moderating influence on the climate has encouraged the growth of abundantly vegetation. In the lower valley, mixed forests of broadleaf trees dominate, with chestnuts as the most prevalent species. Higher up, the landscape changes dramatically, with vast beech forests spreading across humid, sheltered slopes. In some areas, like Alpe Boschelli, you can find centuries-old trees that have survived natural events.
The gorges are home to specialized vegetation, with yew, alder, and maple trees clinging to rocky walls. Further up, alpine meadows are colored, with blooming alpine Columbine, mountain arnica, and yellow gentian. Wetlands, such as those near Alpe Scaredi, add to this biodiversity, providing a habitat for rare species like the alpine tulip and cottongrass.
The park is a refuge for many rare and protected species, some of which are unique to the Alps. Among them are wild orchids, such as the spotted orchid and the military orchid, along with carnivorous plants like the round-leaved sundew.
Human activity has shaped Val Grande’s plant life. The abandonment of traditional agriculture, forestry exploitation, and tourism have all affected the makeup and spread of plant communities. However, with the establishment of the national park, measures have been taken to protect and preserve this place.
The flora of Val Grande National Park is an example of nature’s resilience and adaptability. Protecting it is essential to preserving biodiversity and giving future generations the chance to experience theselandscapes.
Fauna
[edit]Val Grande National Park is home of numerous protected species, making it a site of interest for academics and experts in the research of natural evolution after human exploitation, giving rise to the recognition of species of european interest.
The fauna that inhabits the site is typical of the region, due to the great variety of climates and vegetation in Val Grande, you can find a variety of fauna, among which there are at least 138 species of birds, of which the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, the black grouse, the hazel grouse and the eurasian eagle-owl stand out. In addition to a variety of woodpeckers such as the black woodpecker and some passeriformes, the western bonelli's warbler and the red-backed shrike. As well as the fishing falcon, and small birds such as the Woodlark, the red-backed shrike and the Calandra Lark.
Within the park there are also populations of herbivores such as chamois and roe deer, while the population of deers has been consolidated in recent years. Some of the carnivores that can be found are fox, beech marten, marten, badger and wease, as well as mammals, which include examples of rodents such as dormice and wild mice, and 16 species of bats.
Reptiles such as a variety of vipers, among which are the aesculapian snake and the smooth snake, and Viviparous and western green lizards, are found in places further away from the path since they prefer spaces less frequented by man.There are also European level protected species of insects, which include beetles such as the Rosalia alpine, the osmoderna eremita and the gnorimus variabilis.[8][9]
Historical and Cultural Significance
[edit]The Bove Path is deeply connected to the cultural and agricultural heritage of the Val Grande region, particularly through its origins as a pastoral path used by local communities for transhumance, the seasonal movement of livestock between lowlands and high-altitude grazing areas. For centuries, shepherds from the Verbano area guided cattle along ancient routes to reach the rich summer pastures in the Ossola valleys, a journey essential to the local agricultural economy and way of life. This movement allowed livestock to graze in cooler, elevated areas during the summer months and return to lower, milder valleys as winter approached, a practice that shaped both the cultural landscape and the traditional practices of these communities[10][11].
Commemorating Bove Path
[edit]The trail also stands as a living memorial to Giacomo Bove, an Italian explorer renowned for his polar expeditions in the 19th century. Following his untimely death in 1887, local organizations and supporters dedicated the trail to honor Bove’s adventurous spirit and his contributions to exploration, reflecting a blend of regional pride and homage to Italy’s exploratory legacy[12].
Legacy of the Bove Path
[edit]Today, the Bove Path embodies both the spirit of alpine exploration and the pastoral history of the Val Grande area, connecting present-day hikers with the agricultural and cultural roots of the region[13][14].
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g Ferrari, Marco Albino (2017). La Via Incantata. Ponte alle Grazie.
- ^ a b "Parco Nazionale Val Grande". Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ a b c d e Pisano, Pietro (2016). Giacomo Bove. Un esploratore e un sentiero tra Verbano e Ossola. Magazzeno Storico Verbanese.
- ^ a b c "Il Sentiero Bove in Valgrande". CAI Verbano. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ a b c d e "Sentiero Bove: Un'Alta Via tra la Storia e la Natura". Parco Nazionale Val Grande. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ a b c https://www.coopvalgrande.it/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Sentiero-Bove-2019.pdf
- ^ McKeever, Patrick J.; Patzak, Margarete (2016-04-26). "UNESCO Global Geoparks - Operational Guidelines". Schriftenreihe der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geowissenschaften. 88: 23–30. doi:10.1127/sdgg/88/2016/23. ISSN 1860-1782.
- ^ "The Fauna | Parco Nazionale della Val Grande". www.parcovalgrande.it. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "in Valgrande - La Fauna". www.in-valgrande.it. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Casarotti, Eleonora; Ribolla, Chiara (2021-09-30), "Itinerari del Romanico tra Verbano, Ossola e Golfo Borromeo.", Spring Archaeology: Atti del Convegno, Siena, 15-17 maggio 2020, Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, pp. 123–131, doi:10.2307/j.ctv1zcm1x8.20, retrieved 2024-11-12
- ^ Aragona, Stefano, "LA STUPEFACENTE STORIA TRA ANTHROPOS E NATURA", Il recupero dei siti di cava: strategie di scala vasta, Quodlibet, pp. 78–83, doi:10.2307/j.ctt1w1vnhp.12, retrieved 2024-11-12
- ^ Pozzi, Antonia (2024). "The Path, and: Il sentiero". The Hopkins Review. 17 (1): 30–31. doi:10.1353/thr.2024.a918446. ISSN 1939-9774.
- ^ MINIATI, MARA (1994). "GIAMPAOLO GALLO (a cura di), Per una storia del vetro nel Valdarno. IVV 1952-92. Firenze, Ponte alle Grazie, 1994, 187 pp., fig". Nuncius. 9 (2): 897–898. doi:10.1163/182539184x01396. ISSN 0394-7394.
- ^ Müller, Olaf (2012), "7. Exil, Gender und Kanon in der nationalen Literaturgeschichtsschreibung in Frankreich und Italien", Literatur im Exil, Klostermann, pp. 419–434, doi:10.5771/9783465137580-419, ISBN 978-3-465-13758-0, retrieved 2024-11-12