Lago del Barbellino: from Valbondione to Rifugio Curò

A blue lake and a sword in the stone, in the heart of the Orobie

The route starts from Valbondione, in the heart of the Orobie Alps, a few kilometres from Bergamo. The trail winds through conifer woods and alpine pastures, with views widening over the surrounding peaks at every bend.

Higher up appears Lago del Barbellino, a reservoir of deep blue contrasting with the green pastures. Beside it stands the historic Rifugio Curò, one of the oldest in the Orobie, where we stop for lunch: some go for a hot plate, others for a slice of cake and a beer.

Just beyond the hut there is a chapel dedicated to those who died in the mountains and, next to it, a sword set into the rock: the detail everyone photographs, and that makes you feel like King Arthur for a moment. Those who wish can continue around the lake, with more viewpoints. It is 19 kilometres and 1,000 metres of ascent.

Why come

• Lago del Barbellino, deep blue in the middle of the Orobie
• the sword in the stone beside the memorial chapel
• Rifugio Curò, one of the most historic huts in the Orobie
• the loop around the lake for anyone wanting extra steps

Who it suits

This is an intermediate but long hike: 19 kilometres and 1,000 metres of ascent in seven hours, on trails and mule tracks with no technical difficulty. You need to be used to full days. Bring boots, water and a windproof jacket.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's walk up to the Barbellino.