The centuries-old stone paved mule tracks that climb their way tortuously up the steep mountain slopes, still have long portions of the original and distinctive pavement. They resound with the echoes of the activities of ancient rural communities connected to olive cultivation, farming, chestnut picking and wood cutting. Along the paved mule tracks the transport of materials and various products collected on the mountain, such as wood, hay and chestnuts, was done by sliding or dragging them with the help of a special sled made entirely of wood, called “caréta” or “barùsola”, pulled by mules or donkeys. In order to ease the sliding of the sled along the pavement, the two pieces of wood used as runners were spread with oil dregs or with the remains of lard. The friction caused by dragging the sled produced ruts in many parts of the pavement that are still visible. In some places along the mule tracks, where the sides are the steepest, you can still see a number of iron hooks lodged in the rocks. They were used as a break: by tying the sled to the hooks with a rope the descent could be kept under control and slowed down.
Marniga Campo Prada
Itinerary: Marniga > Campo (25min) > Cà Politei (1h) > Val di Fies (50min) > Prada (15min)
Length: 5.2 km
Average running time: 2h 30min
Description:
The route starts from the hamlet of Marniga near the church of S. Giovanni, crosses the ancient and characteristic Contrada Campo in the area of olive groves and finally reaches Prada di Monte Baldo at an altitude of 1,000 m a.s.l., with the localities of Monte Basso, Cà dell 'Umen and Cà Politei, in the area of chestnut groves and hornbeam and downy oak forests.
Contrada Campo is certainly the most important stage of the route and the linchpin of many other routes; The central nucleus of the city, commonly known as the "Castle", situated in a higher and more dominant position than the other buildings, probably represents the oldest settlement of medieval origin (11th century), around which in later periods and phases, the rest of the village has grown.
The localities of Monte Basso, Cà dell'Umen and Cà Politei, touched by the route, are characteristic examples of temporary settlements with scattered houses, particularly widespread in the area of chestnut groves and spring pastures (Maggenghi) between 600 and 900 meters . From late spring to late autumn, many families from the villages on the lake moved into these houses to drive the few cattle to pasture, mow the meadows, clean the chestnut groves, harvest the chestnuts and clear the forest.
Castelletto - Biaza - Le Ca - Prada
Itinerary: Castelletto > Biaza (15 min) > Cà Vicari (45 min) > Le Cà (20 min) > Prada (1h10)
Length: 5.6 km
Average running time: 2h 30min
Description:
The route, which has some steep sections but easy to follow, climbs from Castelletto to the hamlet of Biaza to then reach Prada di Monte Baldo at 1,000 m altitude, passing through some characteristic places such as Cà Vicari and Le Cà, through the territory with meadows, spring trees (Maggenghi) and centuries-old chestnut groves that border the Val Senaga.
The old mule track offers remarkable panoramic views for a good stretch, passing through the olive grove area up to Le Cà and still conserving the original characteristic pavement.
The village of Le Cà, located about halfway between Castelletto and Prada, is a suggestive, isolated district, still only accessible by 4x4, made up of a few houses with a small church dedicated to S. Francesco and dating back a few centuries this was the hub of a small rural community; Crossing the small group of houses, you reach a large meadow with cherry trees and some oaks, from which you can enjoy a wonderful panorama over the whole area.
Also significant is the Fontana Coperta locality, a small resurrection with a beautiful fountain covered by a vaulted ceiling, located just downstream from Contrada Le Cà, which allowed the water supply of the district itself.
Biaza - Le Fasse - Le Ca - San Bartolomeo - Prada
Route: Biaza > Le Fasse (1h 10') > Le Cà (25') > Prada (1h 10')
Length: 6.3 km
Average running time: 2h 45min
Description:
The first section of the route branches off from the main section just above the hamlet of Biaza and, further south, reaches the district of Le Cà, passing through the hamlet of Le Fasse. After passing the area of olive groves, it crosses the strip of coppices of hornbeam, manna ash and downy oak, interspersed with small clearings with pastures and meadows.
In the locality of Le Cà the path forks again and reaches Prada di Monte Baldo near the small church of S.Bartolomeo, also in this case crossing the territory of spring meadows and chestnut groves.
Castle - S.Antonio delle Pontare - Val di Fies - Prada
Itinerary: Castello di Brenzone > San Antonio delle Pontare (40min) > Val di Fies (1h 35min) > Prada (15min)
Length: 4.5 km
Average running time: 2h 30min
Description:
The route starts from the hamlet of Castello, near Lake Garda, in the olive grove area, and reaches Prada di Monte Baldo, at an altitude of 1,000 m above sea level, through an ancient mule track that almost entirely preserves the characteristic original pavement.
Starting from the small square of Castello you reach Cà Perotti, located on the boundary between the belt of olive trees and that of hornbeam and downy oak woods, and then climb up to the small church of S.Antonio delle pontare, which constitutes one of the most important stages of the route. The place takes its name from the area called Le Pontare. The small religious building dedicated to St. Anthony Abbot, protector of animals, restored and blessed in 1855, probably dates from the 18th century, as does the wooden statue that represents the saint inside.
The section between Cà Perotti and S.Antonio delle pontare locality “S. Antonio delle Pontare" presents areas characterized by a remarkable view of the lake, while the clearing next to the church is equipped with benches and tables that allow a pleasant break before starting the climb to Prada.
Paths through the woods and olive trees
Itinerary: Campo > Biaza (35 min) > Cà Vicari (20 min) Campo > Cà Vicari > Covered Fountain (55 min) Campo > S. Antonio delle Pontare (45 min) S. Antonio delle Pontare > Zignago > Castello (40 mins) Marniga > Cà Romana > Tormentaie > Campo (35 mins) Marniga > Gainet > Campo (35 mins)
Description:
It is a network of paths that connect and connect to those that climb the slope to the Prada di Monte Baldo, overlapping on some stretches. This series of routes, whose focal point is the ancient medieval village of Campo, develops mainly in the area of olive trees and in the wooded area near the olive groves. The routes are generally easy and undemanding, with little elevation gain and therefore potentially suitable for all skill levels.
