The Charcoal Kilns - Itinerary

The excursion is designed to take in several clearings where, up to a few decades ago, charcoal was produced from wood. On the slopes of Monte Generoso there are about 100 of these spaces but their location is often away from the path and finding them can be difficult and dangerous. The burning was, in fact, done mainly where the transport of the wood was quite difficult.
The selected course does not, however, pose any difficulty. In order to see the clearings where the charcoal burners are situated, one leaves the path only for brief distances and does just a minimum exploration of the immediate surroundings.

To find out more about this, there is an explanatory booklet available, carefully prepared by Angelo Valsecchi: “Charcoal and Charcoal burners of Monte Generoso”. Further information and excursions in the area are available in the colour booklet “Monte Generoso, 26 itineraries for discovering the mountain”.

Information:

• Point of departure: Bellavista station, 1200 m above sea level
• Point of arrival: La Piana Station, 700 m above sea level
• Difference of altitude: about 600 m, descending
• Time required (approx.): 3 hours
• Note: It is advisable to wear non-slip walking shoes.