Monte Boglia, from Brè

Introduction

Magnificent grassy dome emerging from the dense woods and dominating the agglomeration of Lugano. It is a magnificent vantage point from which one can admire several important peaks such as Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. The view of Lake Lugano is exceptional.

Description

Bré (785 m) - Carbonera 1033 m - elevation 1076 m - Sasso Rosso 1317 m - Monte Boglia 1516 m - Pian di scagn 1174 m - elevation 1282.9 m - elevation 1263 m - elevation 1413.9 m - Sasso Grande - elevation 1398 m - Cippo di confine 7K - Capanna Pairolo 1344 m - Cagareta - Cioascio 1070 m - elevation 1123.4 m - Usin 1079 m - bar at elevation 910 m - Rosone.

Description

There are several itineraries that lead from Brè to Monte Boglia, our trek starts from the easiest one even if it seems challenging at first. On this trek you will find little water so take a good supply with you. From the car park of the Brè church, follow the road (marked) that leads to the altitude of 960 metres indicated on the CN. (car passage is forbidden) then continue along the paved road until you reach Trevach to the left of the 1024 metre altitude. Here, take the wide path to the left which, as it rises, leads through a beech forest to the Carbonera reservoir (1033m) marked on the CN. where there is a signpost. It is now necessary to follow the path in a northerly direction that crosses the entire slope of Triscett and Trevach; once at the reservoir, take the path to the left that leads to the vicinity of Sasso Rosso (1317 m) where it is recommended to climb because of the beautiful view of Lake Ceresio. The path on the ridge continues, skirting a protected precipice, becoming steeper and steeper with numerous bends until reaching the bench with a barrier; the last steep section then quickly leads to the summit of Monte Boglia (1516 m). The view from this particular peak is magnificent; from Monte Boglia, a ridge that reaches as far as Gola di Lago and is about 20 kilometres long with more than 14 interesting peaks and 7 huts makes clear the endless hiking possibilities in the Lugano area.The path down to Pian di Scagn (1174 m) touches the ridge that forms the state border between Switzerland and Italy; both sides have their own path to follow and both arrive at the same place, so you can choose the one you like best. Continuing downhill, ever steeper, you enter the alder forest and finally the grassy plateau (Swiss side) of Pian di Scagn, which serves as a pass between Switzerland and Val Solda in Italy; here you will find the 7 ¼ B border stone and a signpost.
Now continue along the beautiful path that leads to the vicinity of the cross located at 1282.9 metres, which can be reached in a few minutes with another little path; the path descends and leads to the Swiss side, passing the Bocchetta di Brumea (1263 m) without a name on the CN. If you take the right-hand path, you will arrive at Alpe di Castello (1250 m) in Italy in the dense forest and then join the ridge path in the Bassa d'Ogé area (1464 m); but it is better to continue on the ridge, to the left, in order to be closer to the Denti della Vecchia. One therefore continues to Cima di Castello (1431.9 m), without a name on the CN. and can be reached in a short time on a short grassy stretch; remaining almost always in Italian territory, one continues to walk, climbing and descending gently until going round, to the East, the Sasso Grande (1491 m) ending up in Swiss territory; after a while, one arrives at a point (altitude 1398 m approx.) from where two paths branch off; the one on the left is on the Swiss side marked in red and white, while the one on the right is on the Italian side marked in red and white and blue; both are very beautiful to walk along, even if the Swiss one, which is shorter, is situated in a shady and sometimes damp area. Having taken the Swiss path, more or less halfway along, we go around the rocky walls of the Sasso Palazzo (boundary stone 7M) meeting the "Alpe Bolla" signpost and on a rock the inscription "Cresta, Sasso Palazzo" leading to the Italian path.
The trail continues down below the Bassa d'Ogé (1464 m) and reaches the intersection of the two trails at boundary stone 7K, where there are very low pine trees and the magnificent limestone block of the Pairolo area. When this whole area is in bloom, the view is enchanted by the beauty of the colours.
Finally we reach the Pairolo hut for a well-deserved rest and refreshment.
From the hut we take the path that descends in an easterly direction entering, after a while, into the woods; in about half an hour we pass Cagareta and reach Cioascio (about 1070 metres) where the Baita del Luca is located. From the pastureland of Cioascio one enters the forest again and the path leads to a descent that crosses a gorge where there is a cable to help one cross it; at the end a wooden footbridge allows one to cross the stream with a waterfall nearby. One continues to descend to the right next to a fence, reaching an aqueduct beside the Val d'Usin stream and continuing until Usin (1079 m) and the barrier at about 910 metres (just before the 920 m marked on the CN) where one can leave the car.
This is the end of the town's trek.

Huts and refuges

Capanna Pairolo (1350 m)
Coordinates: 724,290 - 102,530
Owned by the SAT of Lugano, it is a masonry construction dating back to 1937 and was extended and renovated in 1977 and then in 1995. It is located about 300 metres from the Italian border. It has a large canteen with 80 seats, a large Ticino fireplace and a modern kitchen for visitors, shower, 50 beds divided into small rooms; open from June to October and out of season on request.
The hut has a climbing wall with 111 handholds, 2 main anchorages (6 and 5 metres high), rings for quickdraws (direct ascent) with the possibility of lateral movement; the necessary equipment (harnesses, ropes and carabiners) are available on site.
Telephone at the hut: 091/944 11 56.
Reservations: Michela Della torre, 6702 Claro, Tel. 091/863 28 46

Baita del Luca (approx. 1070 metres)
Coordinates: 722.980 - 102.560
Owned by the Ticino section of the SAC, it is a private hut reserved especially for young people and those who request it; it is located on a wide grassy slope above Sonvico in Cioascio, at the foot of the Denti della Vecchia. It has 20 beds and a dining hall with a gas cooker and fireplace; lighting is provided by solar panels. It is an ideal base for various hikes (also family hikes) and climbs in a beautiful and unique landscape. Easily and quickly reached, the hut is used for courses, training days or simply to have a meal together.
Responsible: Tiziano Schneidt, Via Cantonale 19, 6964 Davesco, Tel. 091/941 56 56 - 01 363 32 56.

Summits to know

Monte Boglia (1516 m)
Magnificent grassy dome emerging from the thick woods and dominating the Lugano agglomeration. It is a magnificent vantage point from which several important peaks such as Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn can be admired. The view of Lake Lugano is exceptional.

Pian di Scagn (1174 m)
This is a distinct depression between the Denti della Vecchia and Monte Boglia. It also serves as a pass linking Brè, Cadro and Villa Luganese with the Val Solda. The mighty Monte Rosa can be seen from this peak.

Cima di Castello (1431.9 m)
Small, unnamed peak on the CN. Which is worth climbing because of its view of the Sasso Grande and other towers.

Cima dell'Oress (1705.5)
This is a grassy dome where several trenches and later tunnels were carried out in 1986 to ascertain the presence of exploitable coal layers, but the outcome was negative.

Cima di Fojorina (1809.6 m)
It is the highest peak in the chain to the south of the San Lucio Pass, so it is an excellent vantage point.

Alps still loaded

Alp Pianca Bella (1645 m)
(loaded on 18 June and 15 July 1996)
It also includes the Pairolo courtyard (1365 m).
The cheese produced is the "nostrano semiduro grasso", which bears the label.
For information contact: Del Fante Davide, Frazione Agria, 22018 Porlezza, Tel. 0039 344 6 11 26.

Alpe Bolla (1129 m)
(uploaded 18 May 1996.)
On Alpe Bolla, cheeses and formaggini are produced in the two versions "büscion" and "Robiole", ricotta and yoghurt. The "zincarlin" cheese is also made.
For information contact: Pozzi Giorgio, 6965 Cadro, Tel. 091/943 25 70

Type of Route: 

A/R

Difficulty: 

E (Hikers)

Recommended Period: 

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

Total Time: 

6h30'

Rise Time: 

3h30'

Descent Time: 

3h00'

Exposure: 

South-West

Starting Time: 

785 m

Earquarters altitude: 

1516 m

Difference: 

731 m

Access: 

Monte Brè (785 m) church car park.