The stage's starting point, Sonogno, and its destination, Lavertezzo, alone are worth a trip. But the stretch in between is also charming. The route leads – flanked by mountain peaks – along the Verzasca through swaths of unspoilt and wild Ticino and ends in Lavertezzo with its famous stone arch bridge.

Sonogno is the last village in the Valle Verzasca and the starting point of this stage. The streams flowing from the Val Redòrta and the Val Vegornèss come together here. The place has preserved its characteristic appearance with old houses and alleys. In the centre of Sonogno is the Val Verzasca Museum, where you can learn much about the valley's history. Nearby you will find the old bread oven, which is still in use today. Also worth seeing is the old mill with a double water wheel. Incidentally, Sonogno is the village setting for the novel "The Black Brothers", which was also made into a film. Based on facts, the book tells the story of chimney sweep boys from Ticino who were sent to Italy to earn money for their families. Looking north, you can see the last chestnut, beech, alder and ash trees in Sonogno before the deciduous forest ends and a rugged landscape begins. However, you leave the pretty village in the opposite direction heading south. Leaving the village, you cross the Redòrta and soon reach the confluence with the Verzasca. The trail winds its way downhill through chestnut forests and open grasslands. Enjoy a last look at Sonogno on the bridge at Frasco, the next village. The 2,457-metre-high peak of Scaiee invariably dominates the view. Next comes the 30-metre-high Cascata di Val Mött waterfall near Gerra. From Brione onwards, the sometimes bizarrely shaped, smoothly polished rocks in the riverbed catch the eye. Ticino's Verzasca Valley is unspoilt and partly rugged, boasting many waterfalls and steep slopes. In summer, the crystal-clear, emerald-green water invites you to swim in one of the many washed-out river pools. The Verzasca is also very popular with canoeists and divers; however, it's considered difficult to navigate. With the roaring Verzasca in your ears, continue on the mule track through forests, across meadows and always accompanied by mighty peaks, past dry-stone walls and more naturally formed whirlpools to Lavertezzo. The short stage ends after about three and a half hours at the arguably most famous double bridge Ponte dei Salti, also known as the Roman Bridge, built in the 17th century.