Six-legged excursions. Guide to the Pathways of Valchiavenna, quite possibly with a dog for company.
Can you recommend a hike? My project to produce the guide “Valchiavenna Trails” was born from this constantly directed question. But I should start by saying: the book is not intended to be a comprehensive write-up of all the potential trails in the area, but a collection of 80 hiking itineraries and 2 along via ferate or iron pathways, which I’ve selected in Valchiavenna, Valle Spluga and Val Bregaglia. All the excursions proposed have been designed, undertaken and reviewed in person. The reader/hiker thus has in his hands numerous “ready to go” itineraries where research like map-work and planning has already been effected. I have collected and included specific, detailed technical information so that everyone is able to choose the most suitable outing for them, moving independently. Each trip is accompanied by a map of the route, a detailed description of the itinerary and a GPS route online to download, to guide the hiker step by step. I must confess to encountering considerable difficulties during my three-year labour of love. Paticularly in relation to the quantity and quality of the data collected and then the organisation. Every chat I had or conversation overheard provided an opportunity to appreciate bits of local history and culture, which when combined with my personal research contributed to a fuller picture of the territory itself. Cartographic research was to prove vital in the selection of the best itineraries that I have personally followed before endorsing. Photographic material, again an important factor was provided by myself, many friends and the publishing house itself.
Another invaluable contributor was my partner Arianna Carlotti, always behind me and offering useful advice and vital support throughout the book’s many phases. A rather engaging aspect was actually suggested by Arianna herself: the inclusion of the “dogs in tow” element which assigns an assessment of ability, a “score”, required for the animal to make the trip with you. Important info. overlooked in most hiking books up to now, for those dog-owners looking for reassurance.
