Monte Morissolo and the Cadorna Line: trenches and views over upper Lake Maggiore

Morissolo is a small summit with a big view: below lies all of upper Lake Maggiore, from Cannero to Locarno, and on top are the trenches and tunnels of the Cadorna Line, the Great War fortification that was never used. In late November, with clear air, it is the perfect outing.

The route

We start from Trarego, above Cannero, and climb a mule track through chestnut and beech woods to the col. From there a ridge trail leads to the summit of Monte Morissolo, 1,311 m, and the Cadorna Line positions, explored by torchlight.

Packed lunch on the trenches with the lake below, then a loop descent via Viggiona and back to Trarego.

Who it's for

• families and kids: the tunnels are the attraction
• anyone who wants a short walk with a high-summit view
• dog owners

Good to know

Headlamp for the tunnels. No refreshments on the route: packed lunch. Late-November days are short: early start and finish before three.

Getting there

Trarego is an hour and thirty from Milan: A26 to Verbania, then the lakeside road to Cannero Riviera and the road up to Trarego Viggiona. Free parking in the village. Car pooling in the outing's Telegram group.