387 steps, a breathtaking view, a thick vegetation among blue, sky and stones. Where are you? You are treading the Busatte – Tempesta path! A path for those who are not afraid of heights, but rather love them as well as the garish colours of the unspoiled nature. Opened in 2005, this wonderful 4-km semi-flat path passes over two ridges: Corno di Bò and Salt de la Cavra. It is the ideal choice for those who love to walk in order to work out heart, mind and soul overlooking the biggest lake in Italy.
STARTING POINT
You leave from the Busatte parking lot where the slightly-sloping path starts among trees (mainly Holm oaks) that are about to shed in this period, turning the route yellow. In autumn, this path is perfect because it is low and so you don’t run the risk to be cold; the mild temperatures and the still shining sun make it rather enjoyable despite the physical effort on the three stairways. Nevertheless, families with kids can also take on this adventurous walk because the route is undemanding and also marked.
Because of the steps it isn’t suitable for buggies, but the little ones could enjoy the fabolous view in any case, maybe in dad’s backpack (mums will relax their shoulders at least this time!!). You will cross many highly-panoramic spots with benches from where to take pictures (it is in fact one of the most suitable paths for photography enthusiasts!) or to rest if you need to. But we are stoical and… we keep on going on our path!
JUMPING OFF THE EDGE: THE 400 STEPS
Let’s brave our first descending stairway now. A green metal structure that enables you to cross the rocky parts along the path. A feeling of vertigo starts to seize us! It seems like walking among the rocks hanging on the lake. A thrilling emotion for those of us who challenge the heights with a bit of fear. But it’s known that fears are made to be suppressed. And so, let’s go on to brave other two stairways.
Perfect training for both buttocks and legs, if carried on with a fast pace it’s a route that can be trodden in one hour and a half round. If you rather prefer to walk enjoying the view, it will take you one hour and a half to go from Busatte to Tempesta (just one way, though)! (Here you can see some pictures!). You can also choose to come back by bus (but we won’t do it, will we?!) or to cover the same path challenging the about 400 steps, but ascending this time!!
SUGGESTIONS
It’s not necessary any specific clothes, but the suggestion is to be careful with the steps that could be slippery during autumn. If you have some hiking shoes, use them, otherwise also sneakers will be fine. My hint? Carry a lot of water with you! Along the path there aren’t any fountains and the only bar (well-equipped and surrounded by trees) is exactly at the starting point, Busatte.
Once back with our backpack on the shoulders, we feel our head light, our heart full of goodwill thanks to the beauty around us and in the small simple things of life. Things like a hiking day on the Busatte – Tempesta path, a bear hug closely connected with mother nature.