Hiking: 6 easy routes

Summer is the best time for mountain walks with kids. 6 easy routes for little hikers in Lombardy. 

Tre Faggi di Fuipiano in Valle Imagna
A day trip into nature with kids. In Valle Imagna in the province of Bergamo, this family friendly excursion to the Tre Faggi di Fuipiano is recommended for its short duration and easy almost level walking. Taking about an hour, with picnic areas on the way for stopping for a snack, it takes you through woods of splendid beech trees and fields until you come to what is called the “roof of Valle Imagna” from where you can admire the Tre Faggi, the three centuries-old beech trees that stand almost on the very edge of the valley. Ready to go? 

Sculptures and nature on the “trail of expressions” in Valle Intelvi 
With summer on the way, walks for the whole family are the best idea. The “Trail of Expressions” in Valle Intelvi is a walk through nature and art.  It takes you through silver birch woods, grassy green meadows and breath-taking scenery of Lake Como. The first part of the trail brings you to the top of Monte Comana. We recommend printing the route so that your kids can find the wonderful sculptures and be amazed.

Walk through the Pyramid Reserve in Zone and Gnome Wood
A day spent in the great outdoors with all the family, exploring the Pyramid Reserve in Zone, just a few kilometres from Lake Iseo. It starts in Cislano in the province of Brescia, where you will find facilities with a car park, kids' playground and bar close to the entry to the Reserve. This route is also known as the “fairy walk” due to the presence of these sculptures in rocks eroded by water. Just a stone's throw from the town, another good idea for kids is a short visit to "Gnome Wood", a route decorated with wooden gnome sculptures. Your little ones will be blown away!

Meeting groundhogs at the Calvi mountain refuge in Val Brembana
For family fun in nature we recommend the Calvi mountain refuge, set in a magnificent hollow surrounded by wonderful little Alpine lakes. Groundhogs can be spotted here quite frequently and the kids will have plenty of fun. The route has no dangerous stretches and the scenery is breath-taking. The refuge can be reached from Carona along an unmade road of about 7 km that can be accessed by cars and jeeps subject to payment of a special permit issued by the town council. On foot from Carona it takes about 2 and a half hours.

Uphill walk from Erve to the Capanna degli Alpinisti Monzesi mountain refuge
Slightly more strenuous, but definitely recommended is the uphill walk to the Capanna degli Alpinisti Monzesi refuge, which takes about three hours with kids. This walk goes from Erve to the refuge, following a stream where you can even stop and have a swim, and at the top your efforts will be repaid by views of the Resegone. There are two different possible routes. The San Carlo trail is the simplest, while the other one goes through Pra di Rat and is shorter but harder. 

Two wonderful lakes: the Twins of Carona
In Upper Val Brembana, set against beautiful mountain scenery, the Gemelli or Twin Lakes of Carona are an itinerary to consider for a day trip out with the kids. Easy or strenuous trails, either up from Branzi or the farmhouses in Mezzeno. These two of the most wonderful lakes, where peace and quiet reigns and the views are unique. Once you arrive at your destination you can reward your efforts with typical traditional food at the mountain refuge.

So, have you chosen your next day out with the kids in Lombardy?