The No. 11 trail starts from the corner of Via Sacconaghi and Via Piave (S.S. 394).

The route then climbs Via Sacconaghi and passes through an area called Vigne, which features the classic ledges or terraces that were built to manage the land. Follow the tarmacked road up the hill to the hamlet of Chignolo (which was once called Cugnolo) at 486 metres (1,595 ft) above sea level. 

Next follow the cart track that leads out of the village square in Chignolo and climbs up the hill. The pool lies in a dip to the north of the Motta d’Oro hill and is in an advanced state of subsidence. This is one of the few pools or ponds on the southern slope of Campo dei Fiori, and thousands upon thousands of common frogs (Rana Temporaria) and common toads (Bufo Bufo) come here in the springtime to lay their eggs.

From Comerio, a splendid natural balcony overlooking Lake Varese, the trail winds through ancient terraces, woodlands, and mule tracks that gradually climb toward Campo dei Fiori. Along the way, a short detour leads to the charming Laghetto della Motta d’Oro, a small natural gem nestled in the greenery.

The ascent continues through ever-changing landscapes, from the distinctive Strada Rossa to the dense fir forests of the Campo dei Fiori Nature Reserve, eventually reaching the historic Military Road. The final switchbacks lead to Fort Orino, a former outpost of the Cadorna Line and an extraordinary panoramic viewpoint, where the gaze stretches from the Alps to the lakes of the Varese area and across the Po Valley.

DETAILS:

• Duration: 2 hours
• Distance: 5 km
• Difficulty: difficult
• Altitude: 760 mt.
• Starting point: Comerio, Via Sacconaghi
• Arrival point: Orino fort
• Parking: yes

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