Luciago Cortano Loop

Starting from the square of the Madonna di Luciago Sanctuary, the route heads north on the western side of Mottarone towards the Sass de l'Om, a spot appreciated by climbing enthusiasts, following trail VP6.

The trail is clean and well-marked, offering views of both Lake Orta and the summit of Mottarone.

Continuing along trail VP6, you cross Alpe Rogna, a small, now disused mountain pasture, with some huts whose roofs have almost entirely collapsed, yet it remains a suggestive place with a nearby water spring.

After crossing a small brook, the trail continues as a mule track gently descending until reaching the Pescone Stream, the lowest point of the route (mt. 784); here you turn eastwards, ascending slightly along trail VP5, following a small watercourse until Alpe Verminasca, where you leave the stream to cross the pasture and continue along a mule track.

Continuing along the mule track, you cross the stream again; after crossing it, trail VP5 continues towards the Cortano Chapel Shelter, a small bivouac equipped with a table, some chairs, and a fireplace, overlooking the road from Armeno ascending to the Mottarone summit.

This section of the trail is somewhat rough as it is occasionally used by motocross bikes, but not particularly challenging.

Upon reaching the Cortano Chapel Shelter, there is a water source and some picnic tables; the trail turns southwest for the final short ascent to the summit of Monte Mazzarone (mt. 1146) and then descends to the starting point at the Madonna di Luciago Sanctuary.