Walking tour through history, lake and culture
5 February 2026
The Monte Melma, at 914 metres, is certainly not one of the giants of the Lecco mountains. Yet, it is precisely this discretion that makes it interesting: a summit snubbed by many, ignored by some, but which offers unexpected surprises to those who decide to discover it. It is a mountain that slowly earns respect, not so much for its height, but for its Scenery quality and the tranquillity of its paths.
There are no dizzying via ferratas or crowded refuges, only silent woods, an ancient inn, a solitary cross, and an open landscape that surprises.
The climb starts from Cereda hamlets, Lecco, just above the San Giovanni district. Access to the path is not immediate: once you leave your car in Fausto Valsecchi Way, the following is followed Montalbano street bend until you reach, with no obvious signage, the footpath 44. A somewhat anonymous entrance, which seems to want to protect this mountain from those who seek it carelessly.
The first stretch climbs up an old Cobbled mule track, through meadows and chestnut trees, in an atmosphere already far removed from the noise of the city. After about twenty minutes, one reaches the’Osteria Montalbano (575 m), today closed but still clearly recognisable, where you finally find the first sign indicating the way to Monte Melma.
From here the path enters the woods and, without difficulty, crosses the Path 41 salt from Laorca.
From the crossroads onwards, the climb changes pace. The path becomes Steeper, with some stretches requiring attention, especially on wet or leaf-covered ground. Once past the diversions to the Casati Path (leading to Ballabio), you ascend for a few more minutes until Sass Cube, the best known and most popular spot on Monte Melma. Here you will find a Panoramic cross, leaning on a ledge that offers a splendid view of Lecco, the lake and the Grigne mountains.
It is a silent little belvedere, often ignored by hikers heading for more ambitious peaks. But precisely because of this, it retains a discreet, almost confidential charm.
Those who wish to reach the highest point must continue beyond the cross for a few minutes: a short walk along the ridge leads to the vera somma del Monte Melma, unfortunately marked by the presence of a repeater which partly spoils the environment. A strong contrast between nature and technology that, while disturbing on the one hand, also reminds us how these mountains are increasingly at the centre of dynamics that go beyond simple hiking.
The Mount Melma of Cereda It is an excellent choice for those looking for a short but rewarding walk, perhaps for the shoulder seasons, or for training in preparation for more challenging routes. But it is also, and above all, a Subdued beauty lessonthe one that doesn't shout, that doesn't show off, but waits to be discovered by those who want to listen.
A perfect hike to rediscover the everyday mountain, the one that hides behind the house and that, once reached, still makes us feel on top of the world.
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