The Dosso Sassello from Lake Idro

The walk starts from the small car park under the lime trees, on the edge of the road to Trento, just after the exit from Pieve Chiese.

(S/E) Head north up the car park until you find a picnic area with tables. The path continues beyond this area, slightly below the noisy road nearby. Fortunately, this doesn't last long, as you quickly turn off to go around the Venus campsite.

(1) This campsite, whose pitches end at the water's edge, occupies a small flat outcrop jutting out into the lake. Walk around it via the beach and then rejoin the path.

(2) If the lake level allows, take the path that runs closest to the shore rather than the path behind the trees. It's wilder. Continue along the path shared with cyclists. After passing a small cove lined with pretty gardens, which serves as a harbour for a few boats, you will reach the parish-specific-to-Brittany district of Tre Capitelli.

(3) About 200 m before arriving at the Tre Capitelli holiday village, where there are also a few boats moored, don't miss the path on the left that leaves the lake and begins the ascent. It's a steep climb from the start, and it continues like this, and even more so, until you reach the top! Cross the road to Trento with caution, because even though there is a pedestrian crossing, you are unlikely to get right of way. On the other side of the road, set off energetically along Via Sassèl, the first few metres of which give you an idea of the difficulty ahead. Leave the road a little further up and take a track on the right that leads above the last houses.

(4) When you reach this point, the path turns into a trail that climbs steeply into the forest. A series of small switchbacks lead to a ridge that climbs through the forest until it opens onto a slightly more open space at the foot of the summit cliffs. Take the time to glance at the lake and the opposite shore, as opportunities are rare and it's nice to be able to catch your breath. Continue the climb, paying attention to the red and white markings on the trail, as the path is not always clearly visible in the grassy sections. You then have to climb one last section in the forest.

(5) When you reach the Passo di Costa Verde, you can take a breather because the hardest part is over. And all the more so because the view of the lake is breathtaking. Continue climbing up to the left, following the path that follows the ridge of the massif. Walk along this narrow path for at least 15 minutes, but the wooded surroundings make it less daunting.

(6) Pass a first charcoal burner's hut on one of the highest points of this ridge, then continue slightly to the right, under the ridge, until you reach the Belvedere del Dosso Sassello.

(7) "If you are prone to vertigo, be careful when approaching the foot of the cross. The view is breathtaking, both literally and figuratively!" Then return under the canopy to begin the descent to the left. The climb was steep, and the descent can be even steeper. Follow the path down the ridge that extends from the crest, watching where you put your feet. There are a few flat sections where you can rest your knees, but they are few and far between.

(8) Halfway down, you will reach the ridge of the massif, where the trail begins a series of small switchbacks that you follow until you reach gentler slopes near the first barns.

(9) The trail then becomes a track, then a small road with steep gradients, where you will need to slow down.

(10) Only when you reach the first houses of Pieve Chiese can you release the brakes and finish on flat ground at the junction with the road to Trento. Cross the road with caution and take the road that leads to Idro. After a hundred metres, take the path on the left and walk towards the small park next to the village church.

(11) After the children's playground, descend to the right onto the lakeside path and follow it until you return to the road. After about 250 m, you will return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Plan to hike independently, as the only shops are in Pieve Chiese.

Don't forget your swimsuit, as it would be a shame not to enjoy a pleasant swim after such a trip. The long beach at Lemprato, on the opposite bank, is ideal for this.

Along the way, on the ridge and on the descent, you will find traces of charcoal burning: huts, wood carbonisation areas, etc. Given the context in which they lived, it is easy to imagine the difficult living conditions of the men who practised this activity.