E
6:00 h
13km
1120
8
THE HIKE
From Menaggio, we drive up to Monti di Breglia and continue to the end of the road where we find a small parking lot (1046 m — you need to buy a €3 ticket from an automatic machine at the road entrance). From here, we take a beautiful trail that ascends in switchbacks through birch woods and among ferns, already offering views of Lake Como.
After about 30 minutes of walking, we encounter a fork in the path: left for Rifugio Menaggio and Monte Grona, right for Sant'Amate and Bregagno. If we aim to conquer both Grona and Bregagno, we first follow the path to Menaggio. We reach Rifugio Menaggio (1383 m, 50 minutes), overlooking the lake. Then we continue uphill to reach Valle Sanagra. Once at Forcoletta, we climb the remaining 100 meters of elevation gain to reach the summit cross of Monte Grona (1736 m, 1 hour), amidst a succession of small rock pinnacles reminiscent of Grignetta in the Lecchese.
We then head for the summit of Bregagno. Descending from Grona, we walk on a slight incline to Sant'Amate (1623 m, 30 minutes), a modest chapel strategically positioned on a panoramic grassy saddle (Sella di Sant'Amate), with views of a large portion of Lake Como (to the East) and Val Sanagra and Lake Lugano (to the West).
Now begins the ascent on the spacious meadows of Costone del Bregagno. Climbing up ledges and terraces, we reach Monte Bregagnino (1904 m, 40 minutes). We then continue along Costone del Bregagno, now almost flat, until we reach the base of the final ascent, a grassy slope that, with not too much effort, leads us to the spacious summit of Monte Bregagno (2107 m, 40 minutes). The views: Lake Como in its almost entirety, Legnone in front of us, the Grigne and a distant Resegone, Valtellina, the Rhaetian Alps, and then the Piedmontese Pre-Alps, offering dramatic backdrop of peaks, Lake Lugano, and finally the distant chain of the Apennines.
For the descent, we return to Sant'Amate following the same wide ridge (1623 m, 1.15 hours). From there, we turn left, descending panoramically towards the lake until we return to Monti di Breglia (1046 m, 45 minutes).
MAP
PHOTO GALLERY
EQUIPMENT
The mountains are a dangerous environment: make sure you always have the right equipment — hiking or trail shoes, warm clothes and waterproofs in case of unexpected changes in weather conditions, a small emergency kit.
I've made an Amazon "shopping note" to make sure you have everything — ps if you buy from these links, 3% goes to support the development and maintenance of Hikes of the World 🙏.
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Breathable t-shirt ( example )
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Sweatshirt, fleece, or light jacket
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Waterproof windbreaker (for example: men / women )
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Gloves and hat (you never know)
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Backpack with rain cover
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Trekking poles (not essential, but they help to unload the weight of the backpack and ease the impact on the joints)
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Trekking or trail running shoes (in great vogue lately because they are lightweight. These Salomon ones - for men and women - are an excellent entry-level, preferably Gore-Tex)
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For via ferratas: complete via ferrata kit (I have this one , very light and compact, with this harness and helmet — or you can buy complete kits ). Buy in store to receive ad hoc support
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To sleep a night in a refuge: sheet or light sleeping bag
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Water bottle or thermos
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Light crampons if you think you will find ice or snow on the route
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Power bank or cell phone charger
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Camera
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Drone, for those who love to "fly" (used in moderation and at a distance from other people. I have had the DJI Mini 2 for over 2 years and have found myself very happy with it. The DJI Mini 3 also allows you to take vertical photographs)
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Small emergency kit ( example )
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Sun cream (essential)
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Sunglasses
