The Verzasca valley path: from Lavertezzo to Brione among green pools and stone bridges

The Verzasca is the most photographed river in Switzerland: emerald water, rock polished like marble and the Ponte dei Salti at Lavertezzo, two Romanesque arches over the pools. The Sentierone is the historic path linking the valley's villages halfway up the slope, away from the road and the weekend crowds.

The route

From Lavertezzo we start at the bridge, cross it and take the Sentierone north: chestnut woods, dry-stone walls, the hamlets of Motta and Aquino with their stone houses and slab roofs.

We reach Brione Verzasca, with the Marcacci castle and the fourteenth-century frescoes in Santa Maria Assunta. We return to Lavertezzo by bus.

Who it's for

• anyone who wants to see the Verzasca beyond the bridge car park
• spring and autumn walkers, when the valley is empty
• dog owners

Good to know

This is not a swimming day: the Verzasca has strong currents and slippery rock, and there are accidents every year. If we go down to the water, we do it where the coordinator says. The return bus ticket is not included (a few francs). On summer weekends the Lavertezzo car park fills up by nine.

You are crossing into Switzerland

A valid ID in your pocket, not in your rucksack: Switzerland is not in the European Union and border checks do happen.

Mountain rescue is charged for: in Switzerland the helicopter is billed to the person who calls it. Guiddy accident insurance is included, but a Rega card (about €40 a year) or a policy covering rescue costs in Switzerland is what we suggest to everyone.

Swiss francs: huts and cable cars almost always take cards, but a few valley huts are still cash only. The European health card is valid in Switzerland for emergency care.

If your dog comes along: Switzerland requires a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination, given at least 21 days beforehand. Without them the dog is turned back at the border.

Getting there

A9 to Bellinzona, then Tenero and the Verzasca road to Lavertezzo: two hours from the ring road. By train to Locarno, then bus up the valley.

By car you need the Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid for the calendar year) if you use the motorway: you buy it at the border, at petrol stations near the crossing, or online.