We have now reached the third stage of the Wayfarer’s Path (Sentiero del Viandante), the one from Varenna to Dervio. Unlike the previous two, it is easier and very scenic. Characteristics, these, that make it within the reach of a very wide public and also less trained. However, the overall length of the stage is significant: we are talking about 12 kilometers. Those who are less trained can further subdivide it into two sub-stages: Varenna-Bellano or Bellano-Dervio. There are numerous drinking fountains along the route.
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Third stage of the Wayfarer’s Path (Varenna-Dervio)
The third stage of the Wayfarer’s Path, in brief:
- Departure: Varenna (270m asl)
- Arrival: Dervio (260m asl)
- Length: 12.2 km
- Positive elevation gain: 470m
- Total duration: about 4 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
See the interactive map:
The Wayfarer’s Path from Varenna to Perledo
The start of the third stage of the Sentiero del Viandante is Varenna Station. From here, retracing back the last stretch of the second stage, we climb up the steep little road to Vezio, a hamlet of Perledo (20 minutes). Arriving at the previously seen crossroads, we turn left and begin to descend steeply on the cobblestone mule track (be careful in case of rain!), entering a valley surrounded by woods.
After about ten minutes we reach the Esino River, which we cross on a pretty stone bridge near a rustic-style house. We then begin to climb up the opposite side of the valley. In a short time we come out on the paved road (Via dell’artigianato lombardo) in the industrial area of Perledo. We turn right and immediately left, then take a flight of steps that climbs to the small church of Campallo, which we arrive at after 30 minutes from the start in Varenna.
We cross the church porch and take a new cobblestone mule track that passes between stone houses (Via per Campallo) with a beautiful view of the lake, until we reach the nucleus of Regolo, a hamlet of Perledo. At this point the directions, to tell the truth, get a little lost and we have to be careful not to take a wrong turn. In fact, we have to turn left into a street that seems to have a closed bottom, but it is not. On the other side we in fact come out on Via per Esino, the provincial road that goes up from Perledo to Esino Lario. We now turn left and descend for a few meters. Near a large bend, on the right we take Via alla Cava Bassa.
Regolo to Gittana
After a short uphill ramp, the road runs at the foot of some recently built terraced houses. Arriving near the last house, a stunning view of Lake Como opens up : well worth a photo!
The asphalt now ends and we return to a mule track that enters the forest, lined with dry stone walls. At one point the path bends sharply to the right and begins a short climb, which then comes out on the paved road Via alla Cava Alta near a small chapel.
Just beside the structure, a path descends into the woods on the left. Let’s take it. After a few minutes, when the clock says that an hour has passed since our departure, we arrive near the imposing church of Gittana, another hamlet of Perledo. Here we can make a short stop.
We resume the path and go around the church, after which we descend some steps that lead us back to a paved road: Strada del Verde. We go to the right and walk a short uphill stretch until, near the cemetery of Gittana, we see on the left the path detach itself and enter the woods with a flat course. We walk along the mule track following the signs present. After crossing a small bridge, a beautiful view of Gittana opens up. Shortly after, we cross a detour to Mount San Defendente, which we ignore. Walking through the woods, we get closer and closer to Bellano.
The Bellano section: from Regoledo to Lezzeno
We are now at the foot of the hamlet of Regoledo in Bellano. In this section of the third stage of the Varenna-Dervio Wayfarer’s Trail, a beautiful view of the lake pops up now and then among the trees. We arrive near a small chapel and begin a short descent. Then, with an ever-flat course, we arrive near a small group of huts. Continuing to follow the path through the trees, we finally reach the Cappelletta dell’Addolorata (30 minutes from Gittana). We pass it and, passing above the hamlet of Rivalba, gradually begin to descend toward the center of Bellano.
The further we advance, the more houses increase, until the mule track becomes a small pedestrian road on a cemented surface. Continuing on, we then come to cross SP 62, which connects Bellano with Valsassina. We turn right and climb for about a hundred meters along the road. Then, on the left, we find a small cobblestone pedestrian road that comes off the provincial road, slightly downhill. In less than 5 minutes it leads us near the exit of the famous Orrido di Bellano (recommended visit!).
Here we find the Church of SS. Rocco and Sebastiano. Just beyond, on the right, passes the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path) between the church and the Bellano cemetery. We begin a climb up long steps that, without respite, takes us into the heart of the hamlet Ombriaco. In the historic nucleus of houses there is a wash house, near which are placed the signs for the Sanctuary of Lezzeno. Let us follow them, to the left.
Leaving the houses of Ombriaco, we find the paved road again. A few meters ahead, on the right, a flight of steps comes off. Following the path, we soon arrive at the beautiful Sanctuary Madonna delle Lacrime di Lezzeno, located in a splendid panoramic position. Behind the church is a small park where it is possible to stop for a rest.
The Bellano stretch: from Lezzeno to Oro
We set off again and from the Sanctuary follow the usual orange signs, crossing a small group of houses and cutting across the SP 66 Bellano-Vendrogno on two occasions. Passing some huts, keeping to the left, the Wayfarer’s Path re-enters the woods. In this part of our walk we meet and pass as many as four streams, meanwhile gradually losing some altitude as we approach the lake.
At a certain point (after 15 minutes from the Lezzeno Sanctuary) we find an intersection. Here we turn sharply left and descend down a flight of steps until we arrive in the delightful hamlet Oro di Bellano, from which there is a wonderful view of the lake below. We leave the houses, still following the signs for the Sentiero del Viandante. After a short stretch among trees and vegetable gardens, we return to a paved road (Strada per Verginate). We go to the left and face a slightly uphill stretch, after which we come to a sort of lay-by. Here we leave the road and continue straight on the newfound mule track.
The Wayfarer’s Path to Dervio
This part of the route offers very nice views of Lake Como and is mostly flat. In front of us we begin to catch a glimpse of the tip of Dervio, which we gradually get closer and closer to. After an hour from the Lezzeno Sanctuary, we say goodbye to the trail and enter Via Duca d’Aosta in Dervio, near Crotto del Cech.
We turn right and continue on the road for about 1km until we come to a small church. Just beyond, we cross the Varrone River on a bridge. Then, on the right, we find the orange signs for the Sentiero del Viandante: this is the start of the fourth and final stage from Dervio to Colico.
To conclude the third stage of the Sentiero del Viandante that joins Varenna and Dervio, however, we ignore the detour and continue on the road until we enter the town center. We turn left into Via Martiri della Liberazione and then right into Via Roma and we arrive at Dervio Station (after 4 hours from Varenna, including breaks).
About the Wayfarer’s Path
To learn more, read the general information about the Wayfarer’s Trail.
Description of stages:
- Stage 1: Lecco – Lierna
- Stage 2: Lierna – Varenna
- Stage 3: Varenna – Dervio
- Stage 4: Dervio – Colico
Your Guide for the Wayfarer’s Path
Are you looking for a professional local hiking guide to accompany you on your journey? You’re in the right place! With Trekking Lecco, you can enjoy an unforgettable, authentic experience on the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer’s Path), with no worries and in complete safety!
Contact us now at info@trekkinglecco.com to arrange in detail an experience tailored to you.
Photos and text by Michele Castelnovo
Restricted Reproduction – Trekking Lecco
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