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BaitoneAlpino Suggests: Barefoot trail Fata Gavardina

The Gavardina fairy is a legendary figure from the Val di Concei, a branch of the Val di Ledro. It is said that Gavardina, a good fairy, lived in this valley, beloved by the valley's inhabitants and protector of the woods and nature. She was invisible, recognizable only by her melodious song. Everyone lived in great harmony with nature, and the inhabitants loved and cared for their land, respecting it. But insects arrived to destroy plants, leaves, and trees, and the valley's inhabitants were desperate. The Gavardina fairy didn't know how to help the people, because insects were also part of nature and she had no power to kill them. She then asked for help from the Snow Wizard of the Val Rendena, who, with his elves, freed the valley from the insect invasion. But the valley's inhabitants were angry with nature and with the Gavardina fairy: the Val di Ledro had changed, the bond with nature had been broken. The sad Gavardina fairy took refuge once again in her caves. Today, the fairy can only be seen and heard by nature lovers... Today, the fairy can be seen in the form of a statue at the final section of the Fondovalle nature trail, where, in 2018, the sculptors of Leder Legn, inspired by the legend of the Gavardina Fairy, placed a series of their own wooden statues, transforming this section of the forest into an enchanted forest where you can wander among gnomes, fairies, and sorcerers. A barefoot trail was inaugurated in this area in 2023. You hang your shoes on special wooden supports and begin walking along a path featuring various surfaces: large stones, pebbles, stone slabs, bark, trunks arranged in various patterns, and even pine nut shells. Halfway along the trail, there's also a slackline where you can test your balance. After soaking in the mud bath, you'll cleanse and, more importantly, refresh your feet by soaking in the stream. This section of the trail is dedicated to the benefits of the Kneipp method, which involves immersing your feet in icy water! You can also take the Fondovalle trail, a roughly 8-kilometer path that connects the villages of Locca, Enguiso, and Lenzumo with the Rifugio al Faggio, located just uphill from the Fata Gavardina trail. It's a very easy trail, suitable for mountain bikes and strollers. It's almost entirely flat, with various paths winding along it, featuring small bridges and benches with tables for resting. Always remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water with you. Even though you're mostly in the woods and protected from direct sunlight, the heat can still be felt!