Cima di Medeglia

Not one of the most glamorous hiking destinations, ascending to Cima di Medeglia nevertheless rewards you with a stunning view. I had been up here seven years ago, but under completely different conditions. This winter 2019/2020 has been (so far) pretty much mild, so the hike went along without finding any snow at all. As opposed to my 2013 hike, when I kicked off from Canedo, I decided to start from Bironico, on a less popular route, I assumed. Not much to say other than the white-red-white markings were often badly faded but, good enough, the track was rather easy to identify and follow, albeit being heavily covered with slippery chestnut leaves. I may add that it was a very windy day (Swiss meteo warning was correct) and I could not keep on the summit too long. Pity, because the glorious day allowed the vast panoramic surrounding to be enjoyed at the very best. On the way down, close to Bironico, I made a small deviation to visit the ruins of the Santa Sofia castle, indicated on the CNS map… depressing, the ruins are absolutely derelict, on the way of being absorbed/dismantled by vegetation. Nice hike, totally solitary; I only spotted a couple of guys reaching the summit few minutes after I had left it.