San Martino Walk

San Martino is a small church situated on the slopes of Sasso di S.Martino above Griante (aprox height of 475 m).  The track up to the church is narrow and steep at the beginning but children can easily do this walk, just be extremely careful as there is a sheer drop to the side of the path and there are no barriers!  We have taken our own children (aged 6 and 9) on this walk, but I have to admit, it can be a little nerve-racking at times watching them bound along the path with no fear! The views from up here are spectacular and you can see right across the the lake towards Varenna and Bellagio.

The track initially climbs up through a wooded area behind Griante and then changes to a rocky path.  Once you reach San Martino, you can have a seat at one of the picnic benches.  There is a grass area beside the church where the children can play. A chainlink fence has been put in place to help prevent anyone from falling over the cliff.  However, if you are taking children on this walk (as with any steep walk/hike) be sure to keep a watchful eye on them. It takes approximately one hour to reach the church (maybe a little longer, depending on how quick/fit you are) and there are signs pointing towards the church from the main lakeside road at Griante, you need to walk up the steep steps between the Hotel Britannia and the Hotel Riviera and at the top of these steps there is a large map with directions.

The Greenway

The Greenway is a beautiful walk from Colonno to Griante taking you along the lakeside and then up through narrow cobbled streets into the heart of villages and through the hillside.
This is a leisurely walk where you can stop off along the way for a coffee or to visit one of the many churches en-route. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours depending of course on your pace and how often you stop to admire the view.
You will pass through the following villages; Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo, Cadenabbia and arrive at the village of Griante.

The Rifugio (1400m) is situated on the southern slopes of Monte Grona (1736m). This is classed as a difficult hike/climb which takes approximately between 4-5 hours there and back. The starting point is from Breglia which can be reached by the C13 bus from Menaggio. From Breglia take the road leading up to Monti di Breglia, the signpost will read Rifugio Menaggio. At the second bend in this road (just after the fountain) there is a shortcut to your right which is signposted Monti di Breglia/Rifugio Menaggio. Follow this steep trail which eventually brings you out on to the road again which you need to cross over in order to take the next shortcut. Walk for approximately 20m after which you then turn right and follow the sign for Rifugio Menaggio. Continue along this steep trail which leads onto another road which you follow fo r another 300m.

Turn to your left crossing the field, after which you have to cross the road once more and walk through a wooded area which leads onto the road at Monti di Breglia. Just a litlte further along you will reach a lovely picnic area with a fountain. Stop and catch your breath as well as having a drink of water. From this point you leave the road behind and continue to follow the rocky trail to the left which will be signed. Once you reach the large ‘parking’ area, cross it and pick up the trail to the left. On arriving at the junction you will see a metal sign indicating the trail – “Sentiero alto” to the right or “Sentiero basso” to the left.

The best views are on the trail to your right (Sentiero alto) which takes you through birch trees and broom up to the junction for S.Amate and Monte Bregagno. Keep to the left at this junction. The trail starts to even out leading you along the slopes and onto the Rifugio. Just another 10 minutes from here there is a fantastic viewpoint called “Pizza Coppa” where you can see across Lake Como, Menaggio valley, Lake Piano and Lake Lugano.
Always remember to wear the correct footwear for hiking/climbing, a rucksack with snacks and drinks, suncream, a hat and maybe some insect repellent spray! Please note that after heavy snowfall it is recommended to take the Sentiero basso trail to the left.
Place: The Rifugio Menaggio (Meals and Accommodation available) Hours: Open every day during summer months/only Saturday & Sundays the rest of the year. Tel: 0344 37282 or contact the manager;333 711 5501

The 4 Valleys Path

This trek takes you through Val Sanagra, Val Cavargna, Val Rezzo and Valsolda and covers a distance of approximately 45km. You start the trek from the town of Breglia which sits approximately 7km above Menaggio (you can take the C13 bus to from Menaggio) and finishes in a town called Dasio which sits above S.Mamete on the Ceresio lake.  You may want to break this down into one day treks because of the distance you are covering. Why not do it as a three day trek and stay in various lodgings along the way. You will trek across dirt-paths, old mule tracks and cobbled streets and see some interesting things including; Sanctuary of the Madonna, and Museo della Valle. 

In order to do this trek you need to have a good level of fitness. The tracks are uneven in places and at one part of the trek you will climb approximately 600 metres. Please note that in winter conditions this trek can be a lot more difficult.
Thsi is a more challening hike but it is worth it for the scenery and wildlife alone. For further info on this walk click here.