Northern Grigna - way of the caminetto
Introduction
Another classic itinerary among the numerous options available to the hiker who wants to reach Refuge Brioschi on top of Grignone. This route, a little less popular than others of the North-West versant has a particular fascination for its sharpness, especially in the terminal part, and is certainly less monotonous of the Way Guzzi, that less experienced hikers departing from Refuge Bietti usually Bietti choose.
Description
Immediately behind the parking lot of Cainallo a trail enters into the woods heading towards the northern side of the Grigna and rises with some turns and ups and downs to a signposted junction. Abandon the left path that goes to the refuge Bogani, turn right and win with a very steep climb to the summit of a slope where the forest gives way to a large grassy area right on the watershed (Step Val d'Era at about 1630m) in view of the first rock ridges that descend from Grignone, where stands a small chapel, and the so-called Bivouac 89 Garibaldi Brigade. From here the track comes out and continues steady climb past the typical arch called "The door of Prada" and then continues between low shrubs and rocks towards the basin Releccio. Pay attention to a faded yellow arrow to the left, thus avoiding a steep descent and ascent on a spur to get around. In increasingly open environment continues reaching the coast then the Refuge Bietti (1739m) property of Cai Mandello Lario. The basin where the refuge is located locked up between the two Grignone's ridges of Carbonari and Piancaformia, gives an environmental sensation of great severeness.
Now, from the refuge, the route to follow is very clear. It will cover virtually and lock up the slope between the two ridges, staying on the edge of a long grave gully to the right and steep rocks to the left. The route, marked with the nr. 15, just beyond the refuge (signs), descends to cross a canal, winds through pines and then starts to climb on the rocky and grasy land characteristic of this northern side of Grigna. It just leaves a detour to the right shich climbs to the Rifugio Elisa a few hairpin bends to the edge and thecanyon that descends from the welding of the gravel Carbonari ridge with the Traversata alta delle Grigne. Continue keeping the left and rising over the canyon, passes through another junction that alleges to Crest Carbonari and continues the climb steadily (a little arduous this section) having as its objective the rocky ridge that is rapidly approaching. After a half hour walk, the tracks goes left again and a strenuous climb leads up against the wall. The path is held slightly lower than it, performs an arc on the left, and diagonally, gains a kind of saddle that overlooks the Caminetto, a long vertical crack in the wall. Returning to the right and running another semi-circle, the track drops slightly, a little cross on the ground and crumbly and exposed with another spike to the base of the Caminetto itself. You go up with climbing grade, guided by the signs, until you reach a large rock stuck blocking the road. Here go right and get out from the chimney, with a slight inclined climbing up with the help of a metal chain. Here is the end of the the difficulties. You cross back to the right, pass near a plaque commemorating a rescue which took place at this point, and finally you touch a ridge trail and horizontally, the junction point with the route from the ridge Carbonari . Another hundred meters horizontally and the path ends by crossing the normal route that comes from Valsassina at Bocchetta of Releccio (d. 2263) already in view of the refuge Brioschi which is easily reached with another twenty minutes walk.
Author
- Check all excursionism reports of Giovanni Consigli
- Check the page ofGiovanni Consigli
Bibliography
- Eugenio Pesci: Grigne - Guida dei monti d'Italia CAI-TCI Club Alpino Italiano, 1998
Cartography
- Gruppo delle Grigne 1:20.000 Touring Club Italiano, 1975
Photo gallery
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