Vallelaghi - The Geological Path

From the parking lot in front of the Teatro della Valle dei Laghi building, the path splits into two branches, allowing access to two distinct groups of potholes. The northern branch leads to six potholes, none of which have been emptied of the materials that filled them, making them less spectacular than those on the southern branch, which the proposed route will visit last. Following the signs to reach potholes numbered 1 to 6, you come across an interesting shooting range (target) dating back to the early 1700s, restored and promoted by the Schützen Company of Vezzano. After completing the loop trail visiting the potholes and passing the “Bersaglio” building, the route intersects with SAT trail 618 marked for Lagolo. Take it south, uphill. With a straight path, it climbs 200 meters, then turns sharply east and continues uphill with some bends until it reaches a forest road. The signs suggest turning right, but it is interesting first to proceed a few dozen meters in the opposite direction (left – north) to reach a boulder marking the border between the municipalities of Vezzano and Padergnone, engraved with the date 1756. Returning back, continue straight until you reach the fork where trail 618 branches uphill, indicated for Costa dei Cavai – Cornetto. A sign points towards trail 619B, which we follow for a few dozen meters. To the right, SAT trail 619B begins, marked for Maso del Conzeta, which you will find shortly beyond as a ruin in the woods. Continue along the trail passing ancient terraces until a sharp left turn. Always following the white-red markings, a descent begins, sometimes steep, leading southwest and ending in a small valley. Turn right, ascending the mule track in a beautiful holm oak forest. At the end of the small valley, a path branches off to the left, leading back to the ruins of the small church of S.Martino. Returning to the fork, the mule track begins to lose elevation and after some turns you reach glacial pothole number eight “Bus dei Poieti.” This is the most spectacular one: emptied of the material that filled it, it is now possible to reach its bottom via a metal ladder. Continuing the route, you reach a cultivated plot, beyond which lies pothole number seven “San Valentino.” Returning to the dirt road, you soon reach the end of the route.