The San Martino – Medale – Coltignone mountain range
Lecco’s iconic mountains: a paradise just a few yards from the city.
Whilst the Resegone is Lecco’s unmistakable silhouette, Monte San Martino (1,090 m) is its most intimate and sheer face, the southern spur of the Grigne range. Its vertical cliffs, which rise imposingly directly above the town of Lecco, are not only a training ground for climbers but also home to a network of trails that offer truly thrilling experiences. Hiking on Monte San Martino means ascending above the town, taking in every neighbourhood, the lakes of Garlate and Annone, and, on windy days, catching a glimpse of the distant skyline of Milan.
The classic route to the little church of San Martino and the Piazza Mountain Hut
The most classic route, and the one most loved by the people of Lecco, starts from the Rancio district. Here, as you turn onto Via Paradiso, the incline is immediately noticeable, but it is merely the prelude to a refreshing walk through the woods along path 52. Once you’ve passed the tarmac road, you’ll find yourself immersed in dense woodland where the path alternates between dirt tracks and rocky steps. Along the way, you may come across the famous inscription ‘L’è dura’ on a rock: don’t be put off – it’s a rite of passage signalling your arrival at the little church of San Martino (746 m). The chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, stands on an extraordinary natural terrace. It is the perfect spot for a break, admiring Lake Como as it begins to come into view. Just a short walk away you’ll find the Riccardo Piazza Mountain Hut, a popular stop for those seeking accommodation and traditional local cuisine before continuing on or returning to the valley.
Difficulty: E
Elevation gain: 397 m
Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Il Crocione: among boulders and adrenaline
For those looking for a more direct and technical climb, from the little church of San Martino you can take the Sentiero Silvia and reach Il Crocione in about 50 minutes. This route, classified as suitable for Experienced Hikers, requires the use of your hands to negotiate a series of easy rock ledges and boulders. Although it is not excessively exposed, the presence of fixed chains aids progress on the steepest sections. Once you reach the summit (1,046 m), the view is unobstructed. The Crocione’s small metal viewing platform literally overlooks Lecco: the summit offers an unrivalled vista that takes in every neighbourhood of Lecco, Monte Barro, the lakes of Garlate and Annone, and stretches as far as the Milanese plain on the clearest of days.
Difficulty: EE – Experienced Hikers
Elevation gain: 300 m
Time: 50 mins
Adventure and exposure: the Sentiero dei Pizzetti
For lovers of adrenaline and dizzying views, the San Martino Group offers one of the most iconic routes in the Lecco area. The Sentiero dei Pizzetti (Trail 53) starts from the Santo Stefano district of Lecco. It is a very exposed and challenging trail (EE), featuring sections equipped with chains (EEA) which require a sure-footed gait, a head for heights and good mountaineering experience. The trail offers breathtaking views overlooking the lake before emerging near the Riccardo Piazza Mountain Hut.
Difficulty: EE – Experienced Hikers
Elevation gain: 527 m
Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Beyond the summit: Corno Medale and circular walks
The San Martino Group is the ideal terrain for those who enjoy linking several destinations in a single hike. A particularly rewarding route involves a direct ascent to Corno Medale starting from the hamlet of Laorca. Following path 56 (Difficulty: EE – Experienced Hikers; Elevation gain: 599 m; Time: 1 hr 15 mins), you climb the eastern slope of the mountain through woods and clearings, reaching the summit cross (1,029 m). From here, the route continues along path 57 (Difficulty: E – Hiking; Elevation gain: 262 m; Time: 50 mins) and the splendid ridge traverse which, in about thirty minutes, leads to the Crocione del San Martino. To complete the loop, descend along the classic path (52) which, passing by the Piazza Mountain Hut, takes you back towards Rancio via a more even and scenic route.
A complete and technically challenging circular route to explore Monte San Martino involves the ascent from Pizzetti to the Piazza Mountain Hut, reaching the Crocione del San Martino via Trail 57, and the descent along the Silvia Trail towards Rancio, finally returning to the starting point by following the rockfall barriers through the woodland.
Practical tips for your hike
To make the most of your visit to San Martino, it’s worth bearing in mind a few logistical and safety considerations. The Riccardo Piazza Mountain Hut (767 m) is the main stop for refreshments, situated not far from the little red church of San Martino. We recommend always checking that it is open. The mountain is accessible almost all year round thanks to its sunny aspect. However, it is not recommended in the event of rain, ice or snow, as the rocky sections and ridges can become extremely dangerous.
Parking spaces in Rancio (Via Paradiso or Via Quarto) are limited; it is best to arrive early in the morning to avoid parking difficulties.
Hiking boots with excellent grip are essential. The Sentiero dei Pizzetti features exposed sections that require particular care; for those unfamiliar with this type of route, the use of via ferrata equipment is recommended.
