Monte Due Mani from Maggio: 1,000 metres on the Grignoni trail

A thousand metres of climbing, for those who want to feel it

Some hikes test you from the first steps: Monte Due Mani from Maggio di Cremeno, in Valsassina, is one of them. It is the longest and most demanding of the routes to this summit, and those who choose it do so on purpose.

We follow the Sentiero dei Grignoni (no. 2) through woodland, firm climbs and views opening ever wider over the Lecco mountains. At the Bocchetta di Desio the panorama opens over Valsassina and the summit cross of Due Mani starts to appear ahead. The last stretch is the most intense but also the finest, with the ridge leading to the top at 1,666 metres.

The return is a full loop: we pass Zucco di Desio (1,655 m), drop towards Monte Tabor and then re-enter the woods that bring us back to Maggio. Ten kilometres, 1,000 metres of ascent, seven hours on the move.

Why come

• a thousand metres of ascent: the most demanding route up Due Mani
• the Sentiero dei Grignoni between woods and ridges
• a full loop over Zucco di Desio and Monte Tabor
• views over the Grigne, the Resegone and Valsassina from the top

Who it suits

This is an intermediate hike but physically demanding: a thousand metres of ascent in seven hours, with steep sections and ridge walking where a sure step is needed. Trained legs required. Bring boots, poles, plenty of water and a packed lunch.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's climb Due Mani.