As you leave the shores of Lake
Como behind you to enter Valtellina, Val Lesina is the first valley that juts
down from the Orobic Alps to join the valley in Delebio. Dominated by the 2,609
metre-tall Monte Legnone, which provides jaw-dropping views from the summit,
Val Lesina is one of the most untouched, wildest valleys in the Parco delle
Orobie Valtellinesi. There are no permanent human settlements, just some
clusters of mountain huts and pastures.
Setting off from the power station
in Delebio, there’s an old, paved military track that was once part of the
Cadorna Line, the ‘Northern Frontier’ from World War I. After passing the small
temple for the Alpini, you’ll reach two spots called Canargo and Osiccio. Stick
to the farm track following signs for Rifugio Legnone until you reach Piazza
Calda, where there’s a clearing.
A trail juts off to the right once you’re through the cluster of mountain huts.
It climbs through a fir forest until another clearing – Alpe Legnone – where
you’ll find the Capanna socialite Baitone
di Legnone, a hut run by the local Pro Loco association.
Start: Delebio – Basalùn,
where the military road begins at an elevation of 220 m
Finish: Alpe Legnone (1690 m)
Duration: 3.30 h (Option to shorten the route to approximately 1.30 h, by
driving up to Piazza Calda along the farm access track)
Difficulty: Medium
Instructions: exit the roundabout on the provinciale orobica (former
statale 38 road) at the townhall and join via Vittorio Emanuele; drive uphill
until the junction with via C.Colombo, turn left and follow the road until the
power plant at the bottom of the mountain. There is space for 15-20 cars above
this.
Recommended picnic spot: at Capanna sociale Baitone di Legnone (water and
tables available)
For more info please contact the Info Point of Morbegno: www.valtellinamorbegno.it | tel. 0342 601140
