Hikes in Laino

Loop hike in the Ponna Valley starting from Laino (670 m).

Long-distance hikes above the Lario The "Monti Lariani" are not peaks on Lake Como, but rather the mountain huts that once played an important role in the nomadic life of farmers, long before the Milanesi, in need of relaxation, converted them into weekend cottages. In the past, peasant life moved throughout the year between the valley (paese), the mountain pastures (monti) and the high alpine pastures, an arduous nomadic existence within a farming area that stretched from the lakeshore to above the forest line. There were no roads at that time, but there were paths, artfully laid out and branching out in many places. The "Via dei Monti Lariani" follows them for around 120 km, from Cernobbio at the south-western end of the lake up to Sorico, marked continuously (but not always reliably!) in red-white-red: five to seven daily stages, 4.15 to a maximum of 8.30 hours long. You can work up quite a sweat as you constantly ascend and descend along the western bank of the Lario, even if the "Via" does not touch any peaks. In total, around 5000 meters of ascent and descent are covered. The effort is sweetened by fascinating views, insights into the life of the ancients, the incomparable architecture of the Monti and lots of colorful flowers to the left and right of the path. Of course, you can also do the tour in the opposite direction, from north to south. Partial ascents are also possible, as many paths lead down to the lakeshore. Overnight stays are in mountain huts and small hotels. It is best to take a cab for the ascent to Monte Bisbino. This shortens the first day's stage considerably, which is also advantageous in terms of the journey to Lake Como. The walking time from Cernobbio is 7 hours.

March 12, 2023

Scenic itinerary in Val d'Intelvi

First part of the route on mule track and path. The descent is on an asphalt road

Monte Costone is a typical example of the Lugano (or Lombard) Pre-Alps, whose peaks are generally rather unremarkable in shape. Its slopes are forested well up the mountain. In the fall, beech and birch trees create a landscape of vibrant colors. A grassy ridge rises from the forest belt—not particularly spectacular, but offering fine views. To the east, the massive Grigne rock massif dominates the vista. In the valley, the narrow strip of Lake Como nestles between steep slopes. When the air is clear enough, the glacier-capped peaks of Valais adorn the horizon. You won’t encounter too many hikers on the ascent from Val d’Intelvi. Monte Costone is one of the lesser-known summit destinations.> Coming from Argegno, continue along the provincial road in San Fedele d’Intelvi past the square with the bus stop and restaurants, then turn right at the northern end of town before a roundabout toward “Cimitero, Casa Scout.” Drive past the cemetery, ignore the first left turn, then turn left and, at the next intersection, follow Via Santa Liberata to the right toward the church of the same name in the upper part of San Fedele d’Intelvi01 (there are a few parking spots near the church, as well as along the access road and at the cemetery). The hike begins there. Keep left in front of the church, cross Piazza XXV Aprile, and continue straight ahead onto the small Via Petrazzoli, which leads into a mule trail. Shortly afterward, you’ll come to a road; turn right there and follow a wide paved path uphill. The ascent continues to just below the summit along the Via dei Monti Lariani, marked with the number 2. It leads uphill across a meadow and past a few houses. Ignore the two farm roads branching off to the right. You hike around the forested hill of Monte Lurio on a moderate incline and, at a junction, keep to the left, continuing to follow the red-and-white trail marker No. 2. At the power line right-of-way, the view opens up to the waters of Lake Lugano. After a good hour, turn right uphill at a fork and continue through a beech forest on a gentle ascent to a solitary house and, shortly thereafter, to the La Zerla02 saddle, where the path for the later descent branches sharply to the right at a ruined house.First, however, at a fork in the saddle, follow the signpost “Bassetta, Grandola ed Uniti” to the right uphill; climb over a meadow ridge, enjoying a beautiful view of the Val d’Intelvi with the three peaks of Sasso Gordona. After passing a picnic area, you enter the forest again and cross over to the north side of the ridge. The trail narrows into a narrow path, and birch trees replace the beech forest. At a fork, take the upper path to the right and emerge into open terrain. With a beautiful view, head toward a dilapidated stone house and, below the ruins, turn sharply right onto a path. It ascends across the western slope of Monte Costone and leads up to the grassy ridge. There, follow the faded markings and trail traces to the left, pass a small hill on the left into a small saddle with a rest area (table, benches), and climb over the grassy ridge up to the summit of Monte Costone04. Heading toward the already visible Alpe di Colonno, you hike easily downhill along footpaths in an easterly direction, following the ridge line as you cross two small saddles, which involve short ascents. On a wider trail, head toward a cross above the alp, enjoying a magnificent view of the rocky Grigne mountains, and after a short descent, reach Alpe di Colonno05, which offers overnight accommodations. It is accessible via a mountain road and is a popular destination for day trips.From the alp, return along the same path to the first of the two saddles and stay on the lower trail there, which leads right along the north face of the ridge back to the ruins03 of the former alp building. Following the well-known trail, you reach the La Zerla pass02 again and then turn left (sign for “Agriturismo Le Radici”). A mule trail descends fairly steeply to Alpe di Blessagno06, home to Agriturismo Le Radici. At a trail junction with a fountain, turn right toward “Lura, San Fedele” and follow a paved road out of a wooded stream valley. Finally, a sign for “Selva di San Fedele” points to a trail branching off to the right. Follow it down through the wooded slopes until you reach a wider path above San Fedele and turn right. It joins an asphalt road that passes by a few houses on the hillside. At a major road, Via Cattaneo, turn left and head downhill; at a left fork, continue straight ahead and hike down along the road’s switchbacks into the village. Finally, you’ll return to Piazza XXV Aprile and, on the left, to the Church of Santa Liberata in San Fedele d’Intelvi01.

A pleasant loop trail through the mountains overlooking Argegno, Pigra, and the Val d'Intelvi.

Gratwanderung hoch über dem Lago di Como

Bella escursione in una tipica giornata autunnale con, a tratti, pioggerellina e nevischio ☁️🌨️☁️🌧️☁️☁️

Chiesetta Alpini e Crocetta di Menaggio