Monte Legnoncino from the Roccoli Lorla Refuge: a walk through sky and history
Set among the wonders of the Alto Lario, Monte Legnoncino (1,714 m) is one of the most astonishing peaks, not so much for its height - modest compared to the giants that surround it - as for its panorama, which has few equals in the entire province of Lecco. From its summit, the view opens up in a dizzying glance: the deep blue of Lake Como, the severe lines of Monte Legnone, the jagged outline of the northern Grigna and, in the distance, the snow-capped peaks of Valtellina and nearby Switzerland. It is a place that reminds you how silent and grandiose the mountain can be at the same time.
But there is another reason why the Legnoncino conquers: it is incredibly accessible. And not only to experienced hikers, but also to families, children, cyclists and those who want to enjoy the high altitude without having to tackle challenging gradients.
The most convenient starting point is the Rifugio Roccoli Lorla, at 1,463 metres, in Valvarrone. To reach it, a narrow, winding road climbs for six kilometres from Tremenico. Here, next to the hut, there is a car park (for a fee), often very busy on summer weekends.
The recommended trail - the gentler one suitable for everyone - follows a section of former military road dating back to the First World War. It is a wide, gently sloping path, also perfect for mountain bikes and trekking buggies. It winds for about a kilometre and a half, with a difference in altitude of just 250 metres: in three quarters of an hour of leisurely walking, you can reach the summit without fatigue, enjoying every step.
