Val Marcia: The Witches Trail
Mountain tour • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro
Val Marcia: The Witches Trail
<p>At the beginning of the valley seven crosses were built in 1656 to keep away the witches, who were thought to cast courses on the inhabitants, causing damages to the villages and the fields. This itinerary isn’t a strenuous one and it’s perfect also for children and seniors, as long as trained. In fact, you will have to face a steep climb that will bring you up at 1580 metres. Val Marcia, located at the south end of Bleggio, is enclosed by Mount Altissimo and Mount Cogorna and traversed by the river Duina and its little tributaries. Discover this wild valley and admire such an untouched territory offering many wonderful glimpses.</p>
<p>Itinerary: Balbido, Livez, Malga Dablino return via the same route.</p>
recommended routeMountain tour
· Bleggio Superiore OpenVal Marcia: The Witches Trail
Garda Trentino Verified partner
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Photo: Azienda per il Turismo Terme di Comano Dolomiti di Brenta, Garda Trentino
At the beginning of the valley seven crosses were built in 1656 to keep away the witches, who were thought to cast courses on the inhabitants, causing damages to the villages and the fields. This itinerary isn’t a strenuous one and it’s perfect also for children and seniors, as long as trained. In fact, you will have to face a steep climb that will bring you up at 1580 metres. Val Marcia, located at the south end of Bleggio, is enclosed by Mount Altissimo and Mount Cogorna and traversed by the river Duina and its little tributaries. Discover this wild valley and admire such an untouched territory offering many wonderful glimpses.
Itinerary: Balbido, Livez, Malga Dablino return via the same route.
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Safety Tips
- Choose itineraries that suit your physical and technical abilities. Collect information about the area you are visiting and the trail’s conditions and get a detailed trekking map.
- Wear clothes and take equipment that suit the difficulty and length of your tour. Keep emergency gear in your rucksack, including first aid supplies.
- Do not go walking alone in the mountains. In any case, tell someone where you are going and report back on returning.
- Look at the weather forecast before setting off and always keep an eye on the weather.
- In case of doubt, go back. It is better to give up than risk bad weather or face difficulties beyond your strength, ability and equipment.
- Do not leave marked paths and do not take shortcuts.
- All described walks are in a natural environment and therefore their use is at your own risk.
This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.
Tips and suggestions
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Balbido is connected by the intercity bus lines 211 (Riva del Garda - Tenno - Fiavè - Ponte Arche) and 210 (Ponte Arche - S.Croce - Cavrasto - Bivedo) to the other places in Garda Trentino.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes here and on the website of Trentino Trasporti.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
From Ponte Arche/Comano Terme go towards Bleggio Superiore - Balbido (8 km).
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Free parking in Balbido.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Garda Trentino TREKKING Map – Available in the info points of Garda Trentino (Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Ledro, Comano Terme)
Equipment
You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you take when you go on a hike?
Your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do) should contain:
- water canteen (1L)
- snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
- First aid kit
- windproof jacket
- fleece
- change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
- make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
- hat
- sun screen
- sunglasses
- gloves
- whistle to attract attention in an emergency
Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.
And finally... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.
Emergency telephone number 112.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
