Magnificent spring days are bound to encourage everyone to spend time in the open air. And there are any number of highly accessible destinations where you can enjoy the magic of an unspoiled Nature, on outings perfect for the whole family. In this issue we are proposing one to the Valle del Drogo (1.220 m). Perhaps lesser known, or indeed more as a step towards reaching more ambitious and elevated goals such as the pastures at Lendine (1700 m), the Lago del Truzzo (2080 m) of the Passo del Servizio (2,585m), the valley has played host for some years now to “Dai Camuscin”, a farm-style restaurant in the very capable hands of a young couple.
 

We’re in the Municipality of San Giacomo Filippo, first up once you’ve bade farewell to Chiavenna climbing along the Main SS36 road towards Valle Spluga. Shortly before getting to the actual village follow the signposting on the left and take the road towards the nucleus of Olmo (1056m) and San Bernardo (1099 m). From the village of San Bernardo itself, we head for San Rocco where we leave the car next to the church and set off on foot along the path which sets out from below the churchyard.
 

The outing takes around 40 minutes and is undemanding. It’s mostly undertaken within woodland and is a gentle climb suitable for absolutely everyone, including the little ones. Once over the footbridge, the path sets off downhill towards Drogo. You’re at the heart of a harsh yet unblemished Nature. Along the way you take in the impressive mule-track created in the early 1920’s to support work on the dam at Truzzo.
 

A sojourn at the Dai Camuscin “agriturismo” is in itself worth an outing to Drogo. Katrin and Daniel (she’s Valchiavenna DOC, and he’s from the Bergamo area) met each other years ago when they were working in Switzerland. Both highly skilled in the restaurant sector, they soon discovered they shared the same passion for both the mountains and animals. The idea of creating a business together was a fairly natural segue. Katrin’s family had always raised cows and goats, and father Gianni would bring the livestock to the Lendine pastures every summer. With help coming from all sides, the farm restaurant “Dai Camuscin” was established. It sits on the valley side and has a splendid, imposing position. It can accommodate seating for around 40 outside and a further 30 under cover and is open throughout summer. Classics like pizzoccheri, polenta, cold cured meats and other traditional and local specialities all await you.

We recommend prior booking for any weekend outings there. (mobile. 328.0617355).