Val Cervia is one of the least known valleys of the Orobic Alps, but it is definitely worth a visit. Back in 1884 the Guide to Valtellina issued by the Italian Alpine Club described the mule track that still zigzags across the woods and leads first to the Foppa and Campelli Pastures and then reaches the Arale alp, not far from the Vespolo (2328 m a.s.l.) - a peak covered in pastures from which a wonderful panorama can be enjoyed. The mule track continues until reaching the Val Cervia pass. Right after the pass we encounter lake Moro, with its dark waters, and we enter Val Brembana.

Val Cervia is a great destination for nature lovers, who can observe the typical flora and fauna in summer - the boreal owl and the black woodpecker nest here. 
Mountaineers will feel at home at the Corno stella (2620 m a.s.l.), an observation point which offers sights of rare beauty. 

Most of Val Cervia is inside the Valtellina Orobie Park (from an elevation of 1000 m a.s.l. to 2600 m a.s.l., where it boarders with the province of Bergamo). Above an elevation of 1550 m a.s.l. there are eight pasture where, in summer, cattle, goats and horses are put to pasture. The milk produced in this area is used for making the renown Bitto and ricotta cheese, that can be bought at the local cheese huts. Being a public property, those pastures are subject to building restrictions. Baita Orbeda (1650 m a.s.l.) went recently under renovation works and is now available for residents wishing to take a short break in the mountains. A road open to vehicles runs along the valley up to an elevation of 1600 m, where an unpaved path leads to Pessoli (1950 m a.s.l.). At the malga Inferno a detour leads to Casera Caprarezza (2000 m a.s.l.). 
 

RODODENDRO HUT

The Rododendro hut is located in the Campelli settlement in Val Cervia. Open since 2014, the hut was built using local stone and wood by the Alpini of Cedrasco in cooperation with the local administration. The building features a porch with three tables and benches, a sink and a wood oven. On the inside, there are a room with a complete kitchen and a wood stove, a bathroom and a utility room / cellar. The upper floor features two bedrooms with bunk beds (matresses, pillows and blankets are provided) that can host up to 10 people. The building has both electrical and water supply. 
Those wishing to use the hut have to get in touch with the Alpini of Cedrasco. 

Photo: Davide Rossi (Val Cervia and pass)
               Scieghi (Owl)