A tradition: on 23 December, the mountains around Lecco are tinged with lights, the first greetings at altitude!
The torchlight procession on Christmas Eve in the mountains around Lecco is an increasingly popular tradition. Until a few decades ago, people climbed with authentic torches, today, to reduce the risks , torches are used, but the visual effect is the same: streams of light on the walls of our pre-Alps: San Martino, Corno Rat, Cornizzolo, Moregallo, Barro. Torchlight processions along the paths and even illuminated Vie Ferrate! In some cases, on reaching the summit, a pre-Christmas mass is celebrated. Ours will be a torchlight procession of entertainment only.
We set off from Galbiate (LC) and reached the trail in less than 1 km. We have chosen the most panoramic ridge of Monte Barro, the southern one known as the three horns. The path is rather steep, not difficult, but our legs will feel it! We climb at dusk so as to observe the sunset and the first lights in the villages below us. The highest point we touch will be the Corno (815m), here we open a bottle as night falls and the San Martino rock face in front of us is lit up with torches! Along a mostly level path we reach a vantage point near the hermitage where we will have a view of the other torchlight trails in the mountains of Valmadrera and Civate. By now it is dark, we position ourselves on the hermitage’s panoramic terrace where we stop for a picnic dinner. We are near a bar where we can order some hot drinks! We descend along a comfortable mule track to the car park.
What to bring: FRONT TORCH essential! Hiking shoes, warm clothing in layers. Hiking sticks recommended. Do not hesitate to contact us for any clarification.
