Branching, winding, and intricate – Vallemaggia, Val Bavona, Val Lavizzara, Valle di Peccia. The Maggiatal and its side valleys in the canton of Ticino are waiting to be discovered. Along with the diversity of the valleys comes the contrast of above and below: bustling villages on one side, reliable tranquility on the other, the future here, the past there. In between lies the present, and that is exactly where the tours in this book lead, sometimes flat, then up over a thousand and one steps, and back down through chestnut forests. The journey through the present continually reveals traces of the past, but also projects for the future: care for the cultural landscape, an international art school, gentle tourism. The 40 featured hikes vary in length and difficulty and take place at different altitudes. Practical information on travel, accommodations, restaurants, and sights along the way complements the hiking suggestions.