Trekking in the Silvretta and Rätikon Alps. Kev Reynolds

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      Trekkers enjoy a much-needed rest on the descent through Val Sagliains

      Below 2000m the route is safeguarded in several rocky places with fixed cables, while the lower half of the valley is heavily vegetated – at times the path almost disappears in the undergrowth, so concentration is needed.

      A tiny hut is passed at 1735m, and a few minutes beyond this you come to a trail junction at Fop Tiamarsch where the upper path heads for Susch, while we take the lower option leading to Lavin (1hr from here). This brings you to a track where you turn left and cross the river. Over this the track becomes a surfaced road, and 3mins later it forks. For Lavin keep ahead and continue as far as a right-hand hairpin bend. Leave the road and go ahead on a track. When this curves to pass beneath a railway bridge keep ahead between meadows, and shortly after arrive in Lavin.

      Lavin (1412m) stands above the left bank of the Inn, a village of old Engadine houses and some modern development. It has a railway station with connections to Scuol (down-valley) and to St Moritz in the Upper Engadine (up-valley). Tourist information is available in the post office (www.lavin.ch). There is a small supermarket and a bakery, and accommodation in two hotels, the Crusch Alba and the 3-star Hotel Piz Linard. There are also several holiday apartments, and the possibility of dormitory accommodation at the Chasa Fliana near the post office.

STAGE 2

      Lavin to Chamanna Tuoi

Start	Lavin (1412m)
Distance	11km
Time	3–3½hrs
Maximum altitude	2250m (Chamanna Tuoi)
Height gain	838m
Refreshments	Guarda (1hr)