Travel slowly through Italy’s Grigna mountains – seven approach routes

"Seek the answer in these ups and downs: you'll lose everything you thought you gained and learn that the path is much more precious than the summit. Find meaning in every step.”

This quote is from Polo Cognetti’s book ‘Without ever arriving at the top’. It inspired me to create this Collection of routes that discover the Grigne group in Italy, without conquering its peaks. The book's philosophy underlines the importance of appreciating mountain travel slowly, rather than seeing it as a competition. This approach is relevant to every aspect of life, but it becomes even more pertinent when hiking in the famous mountains of the Lecco pre-Alps.

The Grigna, home to the Casa madre dei Ragni (Mother house of the Ragni) – a historic Italian mountain group – has 2been the scene of numerous heroic adventures.
The mountains are characterised by their geology: the rock here is truly something spectacular. As you gain altitude, you’ll notice pinnacles, caves, streams and karst phenomena that make the panorama unique. It’s said that the name ‘Grigna’ derives from the peculiar shape of its rocks, but there’s another meaning that I am more fond of. Some theories believe the name derives from the Italian verb ‘friabile’ (to grin) or laugh sarcastically. The caves almost look like faces, with their mouths wide open.

However, you need to take care whilst exploring these beauties as they also hide dangers. The path here is technical – very technical. Familiarising yourself with the most accessible routes is a safe way to get to know the mountain’s strong personality at low altitudes and on easy paths, apart from a few exceptions (which I note in the stage descriptions).

The Grigne Group is mainly composed of three limestone peaks – the Grigna, also called Grignone or northern Grigna; the Grignetta, also known as southern Grigna; and the Coltignone. The area offers many slopes to climb and various access points.

You can reach the region via Valsassina, Lecco or the lower lake (Esino Lario). While public transportation isn’t the most practical option, you can arrive by bus. People usually travel by car, although that complicates the return journey and you have to consider parking. Consider driving early morning on weekdays to avoid traffic. You’ll find more detailed information on parking in the Tour descriptions, as well as refreshment points.

Before you start, pack your rucksack carefully. You can explore Grigna at any time of the year, but it’s important to remember that it’s a mountain with limited water and vegetation. In summer, bring plenty of liquids and sun protection (creams, hats, etc.), while in winter, consider packing crampons in case of snow. Trekking poles and snacks are always recommended.

Whether you’re looking for challenging routes to reach the top of the Grigna or you want to explore its ups and downs, with its meadows, valleys and woods, this Collection is ideal. It’s not necessary to reach the summit to experience an adventure in the Grigna. Happy exploring!