The ancient Trades Path

THE 10 RULES FOR HIKERS

• Prepare your itinerary beforehand
• Choose an itinerary that suits your physical abilities
• Choose suitable clothes and equipment
• Check the weather forecast
• Hiking by yourself is more risky; if this is the case, take a mobile phone with you
• Leave information about your itinerary and your expected return time
• If you are not sure about your itinerary, contact an Alpine Guide
• Pay attention to signposts and directions that you find along your way
• Do not hesitate in going back if you feel too tired
• In case of emergency call 112

From Grauno one descends to the Avisio torrent, first on comfortable roads, then on paths through a wild and fascinating landscape. In years gone by, this road was used by the inhabitants of Grauno to cultivate their land almost up to the banks of the Avisio torrent. Also notable were the passages for small trade exchanges with Sover, Montesover and Piscine, or purely for visits of friendship or kinship. These contacts were interrupted in 1966 when a flood swept away the bridge connecting the two banks of the Avisio, and only in 2009, with its reconstruction, were they able to resume (Pont da la Rio). From the small Maso dei Molini, just on the opposite side of the Avisio torrent, turning left, one can then follow the 'Sentiero dei vecchi mestieri' (Old Trades Trail). This is a very suggestive path, which runs for a long stretch alongside the torrent, to arrive at Maso Pianacci; from here you climb up a steep little road to Piscine. From here, it is possible to reach Sover by following the dirt road (percorso vita) which branches off in the lower part of the village, or by following the provincial road, then descending again to Molini. Crossing the bridge over the Avisio again, you reach Maso La Rio, and continuing along another stretch of the 'Sentiero dei vecchi mestieri' (old trades trail), which takes you back up to Grauno. From Maso La Rio, one encounters the ruins of mills that have been in disuse since the 1960s; the recently restored 'blacksmith's forge' as well as the 'Venetian-style sawmill' located alongside the former state road. Further up is the 'Cristofori mill', from where you can return to Grauno in a few minutes. Unforgettable are the views of the landscape that can be admired along this route.

Hiking shoes, rain-jacket, hiking poles, water, snack and sun cream.