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WALKING AND HIKING AROUND LAKE COMO
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The Italian Lakes provide a vast amount of walking and hiking trails. Lake Como is no exception. The fantastic panoramas achieved by walking a few miles (uphill admittedly) are well worth the effort.
We cannot hope to show the full extent of the walks available, but Menaggio and Varenna, both at the centre of the lake and part of the golden triangle, allow enthusiats or day trippers to scale peaks or enjoy the countryside in many directions. The following is an example of a few walks from Menaggio, ths one is up to Monte Grona, which from the top (1736 m) you can admire one of the best views of the Prealps; apart from the three lakes (Como, Lugano and Piano) you can also see the close by, the peaks of Monte Bregagno, Legnone, Pizzo di Gino, Grigne and if the air is clear enough, many peaks of the Alps from Monviso to Bernina. There are 3 different ways to get to the top of the Grona from Menaggio:
- VIA NORMALE - time: 1.15 hrs.; ascent: 336 m
the beginning of this trail (the easiest) is behind the rifugio in Menaggio. It leads up to the “Forcoletta” and from there to the left a steep rocky trail leads to the top.
- VIA DIRETTISSIMA - Time: 1 hr; ascent: 336m;
the beginning of this trail is behind the rifugio. The steep trail winds up the south face of the mountain. During the winter this trail, as it is exposed to the south, remains snow covered less time compared to the Via Normale on the north side of the mountain.
- VIA FERRATA - only for Alpinists with adequate equipment, time: 3 hrs. In order to reach the beginning of the Via Ferrata you follow part of the Via Panoramica.
The routes and more details are all available in booklet form from the local tourist offices, who will be more than willing to help you enjoy the local scenery. For menaggio in particular please click on the this link To see a selection of suitable properties around Menaggio please click here. or for Varenna click here.
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