Walking tour through history, lake and culture
5 February 2026
The Monte Barro, at 922 metres high, is often underestimated. Considered an “easy” mountain by many, it's a destination for Sunday hikers and school trips. Yet, despite its reputation and modest height, this summit offers far from trivial routes. Climbing from the area of Azzone Visconti Bridge in Lecco along the path 304, means embarking on a challenging, scenic and varied itinerary, which tests your legs and breath and offers breathtaking views long before the summit.
This route, along with the better-known 305 from Galbiate, forms the so-called “Ridge Path”a route for those who wish to experience Monte Barro at its most severe and spectacular.
The path starts at the exit of the Ponte Vecchio, just above Lecco, in the district of Malgrate. From Via San Michele, you take a steep, cobbled flight of steps that soon leads to a plateau from which the various tracks of the northern slope branch off. Here one plunges into the woods of the Monte Barro Regional Park, which already show their charm in the first few metres: a tangle of dense trees, deep silences and well-maintained paths.
In around 30 minutes you reach Pian Sciresa, a natural balcony overlooking the lake and a crossroads for numerous itineraries. The route continues following the signs for the Alpini Memorial Stone and thus for the Old Woman's Stone, a scenic rocky terrace overlooking Valmadrera, Lake Garlate and the jagged outlines of Moregallo and the Corni di Canzo. Up to this point, the climb is regular and without any real difficulties.
Past the Sasso della Vecchia, the nature of the path changes abruptly. The trail bends to the left and steepens: a tough and direct climb, on terrain that is exposed in parts, where your legs start to feel the strain and your mind must remain focused. In return, you gain an overhanging view of Lecco, one of the most evocative in the area.
In about 20 minutes you'll get to the Prati della Corna, an open and bright area. The more curious can briefly leave the path and climb up to the Horna grassy ridge that offers a dizzying panorama of Lake Como and the urban centre.
From here, the path runs along the ridge, with short ascents and descents, offering continuous views of the Resegone, on the lakes, the plain and the Brianza peaks. In some sections it is necessary to use your hands to overcome simple rocky passages, but nothing that requires equipment or mountaineering experience.
In about fifteen minutes you get to the summit cross, the summit of Monte Barro. Here the effort gives way to contemplation: on one side Lecco and the Adda, on the other the blue expanse of the lakes, and then the Brianza, the Grigna, and if the sky is clear, even the snow-capped peaks of the distant Alps.
Anyone wishing to return via a different route can take advantage of one of the many options offered on the south side: descend towards Galbiate, the Archaeological Park or’Hermitage of St Michael, closing a striking Nature and culture trail. Alternatively, one can retrace one's steps, enjoying the downhill views of Path 304.
The Monte Barro, Lecco, along path 304, is a Small vertical adventure in full swing. A mountain that knows how to surprise those who approach it with a little more respect and attention. Don't be fooled by the modest altitude: this climb requires breath, leg and the desire to look around. But precisely because of this, it is one of the most complete experiences you can have on your doorstep.
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