Reich

This short hike allows you to explore the most interesting part of the San Grato valley.
The ascent takes place along the valley floor, a lesser-known route, while the descent follows the classic central mule track, offering the chance to see some fascinating historical remnants of Walser culture.
The remains of two medieval mills and an oven are visible along the way.
The hike ends at the Reich peat bog, a beautiful plateau crossed by a stream.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left towards Gressoney.
The road climbs a few hundred meters before turning right into the Lys Valley road, passing through the villages of Lillianes and Fontainemore.
Continue to the center of Issime, then take the road on the left that climbs to San Grato.
Follow it along steep hairpin bends until reaching the no-entry sign (the next section is accessible only with a permit); on the left, a small clearing offers a place to park.

Continue along the rural road to the ridge, where the trail begins to climb on the right.
Ascend the steep ridge, passing several beautiful stone houses until exiting the forest.
The San Grato Chapel now comes into view, reached by a final stretch across the meadows (note on the right the finely carved white stone windows of the Holscher house).
From the chapel, the slope eases as you climb the center of the valley, passing near the oven-spring and several charming buildings.
Continue through the forest, and after crossing a small stream on two stone slabs, you will see just below the trail the remains of the mill.
A short distance further, the remains of the oven can also be seen below the trail.
The beautiful mule track continues gently, passing some alpine pastures. Cross a small stream and reach the area above Reich (about ten meters to the right of the trail is a large boulder, beneath which there is usually a small pond).
Descend now to the Reich huts, overlooking the peat bog, which is a perfect spot for a break.
Continue across the plateau, crossing the stream at its end, then follow the opposite slope to reach the beautiful Undre Buadma house.
Follow the trail descending to the valley floor.
At one point, looking left, you can see the remains of another mill near a small bridge, reachable via a short detour.
Return to the trail and continue descending until reaching a bridge that crosses the stream, then climb along the hillside to reach the houses of Bech, where the rural road is found again, following it back to the car.