Takayama to Magome/Tsumago/Matsumoto

Hi-

We are planning two days in Takayama, followed by a trip to Magome and Tsumago. My questions are:

1. Is there a way to get from Takayama to either Magome or Tsumago without taking the train all the way back to Nagoya and then going to Nakatsugawa?
2. We were planning on staying one night in either Magome or Tsumago, and then doing the walk to the other town the following day. Does anyone have an opinion on which town is preferable for an overnight stay (we're two guys over 50, so we are fine with a quiet atmospheric town).
3. is it possible to travel from Tsumago to Matsumoto without going back to Nagoya?

Thanks for any information.
Mike

1. Is there a way to get from Takayama to either Magome or Tsumago without taking the train all the way back to Nagoya and then going to Nakatsugawa?

Yes. Your options are explained here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6079.html?aFROM=5900_6075

2. We were planning on staying one night in either Magome or Tsumago, and then doing the walk to the other town the following day. Does anyone have an opinion on which town is preferable for an overnight stay (we're two guys over 50, so we are fine with a quiet atmospheric town).

Opinions differ. I prefer Tsumago slightly over Magome.

3. is it possible to travel from Tsumago to Matsumoto without going back to Nagoya?

Certainly! There are direct trains from Nagiso Station to Matsumoto. Nagiso is the closest station to Tsumago.