The long-range forecast for the weekend looks good and so we are planning to take a walk on one of Stresa's beautiful trails. The choice is between the hike down from the Giardino Alpinia, and The Chestnut Route, also known as the Sentiero dei Castagni. I think I'd prefer the latter this time, partly because I am still in my seasonal chestnut mood, and partly because it is the less strenuous of the two. We can leave right from the center of Stresa and make our way past waterfalls, across meadows, through villages, all on clearly marked and well-defined paths that are, of course, covered in chestnuts this time of year. Taking the trail all the way to its end would leave us in Belgirate, the next town, where we would have to take the ferry or a bus back to Stresa. So instead, we may walk about half way, to the small church with the amazing view of the lake, have a little picnic lunch, and then return back the way we came. This walk should take us about two hours roundtrip; all the way to Belgirate would take longer, about 3.5 hours. Next question... what should we pack for lunch?

A leaflet titled "Trekking Mottarone", available at the Stresa Tourist Office, details several of the walks in the area.