Brianza is more famous for its warehouses than for its scenic beauty, yet it hides a route that’s immersed in nature. I was born and raised in this region, yet I didn’t even know this path existed. I discovered it one evening by chance, while wandering around the hill of San Genesio, after seeing one of the signs marking ‘il Sentierone.’ The Sentierone di Montevecchia – also known as the Sentierone della Brianza – connects Lake Como to the green heart of Lombardy, a journey of 33 kilometres (20 mi).

The Sentierone crosses an area rich in paths and mule tracks, often cobbled, that take you back in time. You’ll find dry stone walls supporting embankments planted with vines, a treasure left by centuries of manual labour. You’ll walk through forests of chestnut trees, which once provided a valuable source of livelihood for the peasant populations of Brianza. Two natural parks, rich in history, lie en route: the Curone Park and Monte Barro Park have wonderful biodiversity and diverse fauna. Take the time to visit the museums, historical artefacts, vineyards, meadows, forests and ancient farmsteads, and admire the spectacular views the route offers. These two parks are home to many animal and plant species and are also an important legacy of the agricultural history of these areas.

The route starts from Osnago station, which is well connected to Milan by train. It immediately plunges into the Curone Park until Montevecchia hill, where the well-known Sanctuary is located. After Mondonico, a lovely artistic village, the climb to San Genesio begins, passing through Campsirago. From here, a beautiful panorama opens up as far as the skyline of Milan on clear days. You reach Mount Brianza and, following the long ridge of San Genesio, descend to Galbiate. From here, circumnavigating Mount Barro, you reach the centre of Lecco. Despite the total elevation gain, the climbs are never too steep and the route is extremely pleasant. The route winds through the woods (in summer, watch out for mosquitoes!) and the altitude is minimal, so you can enjoy this adventure in all seasons.

The trail is a stone's throw from town, making logistics really easy. Along the way, you'll have several refreshment options, from farmhouses in the Curone Park to B&Bs in Galbiate. Lecco offers you a wide choice of amenities, including the train station that takes you back to Osnago. The Sentierone di Montevecchia is both beautiful and versatile. You can walk it in an intense run or take it easy and explore over several days. Much of the trail is suitable for mountain biking and the parts that aren’t have easy variations. Remember, though, that the Sentierone often intersects with other trails, so it's helpful to have the GPX track with you so you don't lose your bearings.