"Sentiero della Maestra", The Teacher's Trail in the heart of the Sarca Valley
Garda Trentino
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/ The Sarca Valley, view from the "Schoolteacher's Trail"Photo: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ Lonely house in the woodPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ View from the trailPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ Descent - section with ropePhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ Back to the starting point through the vineyardsPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
A hike through the woods which cover the eastern slopes of the Sarca Valley from Bosco Caproni to the little hamlet of Braila, home of the schoolmistress for whom this trail is named
The trail winds among olive groves before it comes to what look like mysterious cave mouths on the mountainside, the oolite quarries of Bosco Caproni. Continue on through the woods along the Varino ridge which rises above the River Sarca with spectacular views of the valley. On the way back you pass through terraced vineyards which follow the course of the river. In a single trail the hiker can enjoy all the variety that Garda Trentino has to offer.
Author’s recommendation
This trail follows the route the schoolmistress Ketty Tantardini Bombardelli had to take in the late 1920s to get from the little mountain hamlet Braila to Dro where she taught children in the first class in primary school. Legend has it that in order to get her past the steepest part of the trail, her husband met her in the woods every evening and carried her the rest of the way home in the local wicker backpack known as a gerla.
Safety information
This trail SAT 667 is classified EE and only recommended for experienced hikers. In fact there is a short exposed stretch fitted with a steel cable by way of a handrail.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the 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, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Equipment
You need to be wearing 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?
What you should have in your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do):
- 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
- emergency telephone number: 112
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.
Tips, hints and links
- One of the trails in the series Hidden Treasures is dedicated to the tireless schoolmistress Bombardelli, retracing her footsteps from Braila to the hamlet of Braila. The map and information on the hike can be downloaded on the free app available for Android and IOS.
- For more information on routes and hike services: guides, shops and hiking friendly accommodation: APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From the car park in the Moletta district of Arco take the trail SAT 667 which runs past the oolite quarries in Bosco Caproni. After the hamlet of Case Caproni turn right into the woods and continue on to the left until you come to the road leading from Massone up to to Braila. Walk along the road for about a kilometre until you rejoin the trail which leads up to the left towards Dosso Grande: here the going is quite tough and goes uphill over rock. The trail then turns downhill towards the valley: first it crosses the road again near Braila, then it goes back into the woods and there is a stretch with a walkway made of wooden slats under foot and a steel cable to hold onto where great care must be taken, especially in rainy weather. At the end of the downhill stretch take the Coste di Varim trail, following directions for the Anello Garda-Sarca (Garda-Sarca Loop) until you get back to where you started from.
This hike is a loop which can be done in either direction.
Public transport
Public transport friendly
The starting point for the trail SAT 667 is near San Martino ad Arco which you can get to by the number 3 city bus. Info and bus times: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
Moletta is on the main road statale 45 bis which goes from Arco in the direction of Trento. You can also start the hike from San Martino which is also on the main road statale 45 bis by heading northwards to the right at the junction.
Parking
Free parking in San Martino
Author’s map recommendations
- Garda Trentino TREKKING Map - On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole and online
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
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