Santa Rita Refuge - The Iron Road
4 June 2025
In the heart of Lecco's Brianza region, Civate lies like a small jewel at the foot of three mountains that define its landscape: Cornizzolo, Monte Rai and Corno Birone. These three giants form a perfect triangle for a ring-shaped excursion, capable of offering panoramas of rare beauty and of testing the breath of the most passionate hikers.
The itinerary I propose ideally starts from Corno Birone, then touches the summit of Monte Rai and finally reaches Cornizzolo, from which the tour ends by returning to the starting point in Civate, in the hamlet of Pozzo. Of course, it can also be done in the opposite direction, but the initial ascent to Corno Birone makes this version more gradual and rewarding.
All along the way, the gaze wanders from the majestic Grigne to Resegone, and on clear days even as far as the metropolis of Milan. This variety of views is one of the great merits of this loop, which is not just a walk, but a true visual journey between nature and urban horizons.
The positive altitude difference is just over 1,000 metres, concentrated mainly in the first part of the route. The ascent to Corno Birone has steep sections and requires a good deal of stamina, but no special technical skills are required. With a little training and good preparation, it is an accessible destination for anyone who enjoys walking in the mountains.
Departure and arrival: Civate (locality Pozzo)
Intermediate stages: Corno Birone, Monte Rai, Cornizzolo
Duration: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
Maximum altitude: 1,259 metres above sea level
Altitude difference: 1,029 metres
Difficulty: challenging, but within the reach of experienced and trained hikers
The hamlet of Pozzo, the starting point, cannot be reached by car; leave the car along Via del Rii and proceed on foot along a short but steep asphalt road. After passing the last houses and the well-known Crotto del Capraio restaurant, you come to a fork in the path map. Here you take the path leading to the Basilica di San Pietro al Monte, but shortly afterwards turn off towards Corno Birone.
The trail begins on a flat mule track, passes through a small village with a fountain and then plunges into the forest, where the going gets tougher. Shortly after, we come to the end point of a cable car carrying goods to the basilica, a detail that tells of the intertwining of history, nature and everyday life in the area.
After crossing a small stream, the climb becomes steep and sustained, putting a good strain on the legs. It is here that you come to the fork with the Luisin path, but you must continue on path 9, which climbs up to a saddle. Here, turning right, you reach the summit cross of Corno Birone (1,116 metres), from where the view embraces Lecco and its mountains, Monte Barro and Lake Annone, which seems to invite you to take a dip.
To reach Monte Rai (1,259 metres), we briefly return to the saddle and follow the path along a grassy ridge with gentler slopes. The final ascent to the summit is steep but pleasant, and on the summit there is a small cross and a statue of the Madonna, testifying to the deep connection between these mountains and local traditions.
From the summit of Monte Rai, we descend following the “panettone” profile through meadows and woods to the carriage road that leads to the Marisa Consigliere refuge, an ideal refreshment point for a break. From here we climb to Monte Cornizzolo, the best known peak in the area, dominated by the unmistakable “crocione”. The panorama from here is 360 degrees, ranging from the surrounding mountains to the plains and, on a clear day, to the Ligurian Apennines.
The descent from Cornizzolo follows a very scenic path through meadows and woods, providing us with ever new views until we return to Pozzo. Along the way it is possible to choose several alternative routes, some shorter and others more adventurous, making this loop flexible to the needs of each hiker.
The Civate ring is a demanding but rewarding hike, ideal for those seeking a complete experience: spectacular views, a little effort and the chance to immerse themselves in the history and nature of Brianza. Walking on these trails means feeling part of an area rich in culture and beauty, where every peak offers a new perspective and every step tells a story.
If you love the mountains, this walk will give you just the right amount of challenge and beauty, leaving you wanting to return and discover other hidden gems of our territory.
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