Bignasco-Rima-Prato Sornico

From Bignasco (reachable by bus), the path leads up an asphalted road to the actual start. The red-and-white waymarked path branches off the road on the left. It often goes through the forest and past clearings containing rustici.

The ascent over ditches, roots and stones to the Ponte della Merla is gentle: this medieval bridge crosses the river Maggia. Cross the road and immediately re-enter the forest on the steadily ascending path to Menzonio.

Traverse the little village and continue up to Mognee, home to a few rustici and a chapel. The path climbs a little further until it descends to the Monti di Rima, a place that's very busy in summer, due in part to the road that leads here.

Carry on down the hairpin bends to the village of Prato-Sornico, where you can admire the venerable manor houses, testimonies to days long gone, and catch the bus back to Locarno (make a note of the timetable).