Sentiero Attrezzato dei Tecett

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato dei Tecett is a historic route that climbs the imposing rocky bastion west of Monte San Martino, offering a commanding position above the highway to Sondrio and the waters of Lake Como, with arrival at the Rifugio Piazza. Among the oldest equipped trails in the Lecco area, it originally connected Lake Lecco to the Piani dei Resinelli. After a period of neglect, in the 1980s it was integrated into the new Costantino Fiocchi route (trail marker 54A), which allows a connection, passing by the refuge, to the Sentiero Attrezzato dei Pizzetti. The union of these two routes creates a complete loop around Monte San Martino. This is a versatile itinerary, doable in all seasons, offering exceptional views of the lake below and the surrounding peaks.

The environment is characterized by an imposing morphology: the route unfolds across slabs and ledges of the limestone bastion, providing a continuous experience between vertical walls and exposed sections. The pace is sustained but not overly technical, with constant exposure that amplifies the sense of adventure without demanding extreme physical effort. The character of the route is distinctly scenic and historic, with a progression that alternates short vertical sections with long ledges that can be traversed safely thanks to the fixed protections.

Approach

The starting point is located in the Pradello area, in the municipality of Lecco, at the parking lot of the "i Bodega" restaurant (about 210 m above sea level). From Lecco, follow Lungolago Piave (the old state road 36) toward Mandello; just before entering the new highway, about 3 km from the center, turn right into the Pradello area, pass under the railway arches, and follow the signs for the restaurant. From the parking lot, follow the clear signs for trail 54 dei Tecett, which climbs steeply but is well-marked on the left. In about 30 minutes, you reach the start of the first fixed protections.

The initial approach is physical and direct, with a steep trail that winds through the woods, gradually preparing you for the rocky environment ahead. The morphology changes quickly, transitioning from the wooded slope to the first limestone slabs that herald the development along the ledges of the via ferrata proper.

Via Ferrata

The equipped route begins with a series of ramps and overhanging slabs, manageable without particular technical difficulty, using gullies and ledges equipped with chains and a few rungs. You proceed until reaching the characteristic sloping ledge that gives the trail its name. After other short protected sections, you arrive at the junction for Val Farina. Here, continue to the right, heading south, onto the Sentiero Costantino Fiocchi (54A), which offers wide views over Brianza and Lake Lecco below. A final uphill stretch along wooded ridges quickly leads to the small church of San Martino and the adjacent Rifugio Piazza. The travel time from the first chain to the refuge is about 1 hour, for a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the parking lot (767 m above sea level).

The technical progression is continuous and enjoyable: the compact limestone rock, well-shaped by erosion, provides secure footing. The pace is marked by the alternation of short vertical sections, where rungs are used, and long ledges traversed horizontally, often protected by cables or chains. The exposure is pronounced from the start, with the lake constantly visible far below, but the fixed protections make the passage safe and enjoyable. The character of the route is more of an equipped trail than a pure via ferrata, with simple technique but a remarkable scenic impact.

Descent

Once at the Rifugio Piazza (generally open on Thursdays and Sundays, no overnight accommodation), you have several options for the return, depending on your goals for the hike. For those who want to climb Monte San Martino and then return to the refuge, you can take the normal route (trail marker 57) that ascends from the north side; the return is back to the refuge and then via the Sentiero dei Tecett to the parking lot. A more interesting alternative is to ascend via the Sentiero Attrezzato Silvia: initially skirting the south face of San Martino on trail 52, you find a steep partially equipped trail on the left that leads to the summit (about 1h 15' from the refuge). From the summit, descend via the normal route (57) from the north side back to the refuge and, via the Tecett, to the parking lot (about 4 hours total). If you don't want to go to the summit, a very beautiful but more challenging option is to descend via the Sentiero Attrezzato dei Pizzetti, with equipped and scenic sections. From the refuge, follow the descending track toward the lake along the protected sections with trail marker 53 (about 1 hour). The return to the parking lot then follows a comfortable and panoramic trail that skirts the western walls of Monte San Martino, offering a magnificent view of the lake (about 1h 45' from the refuge, for a total of about 3 hours and 30 minutes).

The descent via the Pizzetti completes the loop with a different character: more technical and vertical than the ascent, it unfolds along exposed ridges and gullies on the opposite side of the mountain. The pace becomes more fragmented, with short but intense climbing sections alternating with trail. The environment is more rugged and direct toward the lake, with a sheer morphology that heightens the exposure.

Useful Notes

Like many other equipped trails around San Martino, Medale, and Coltiglione, the possibilities for combining itineraries are numerous. With the exception of the Ferrata degli Alpini at Medale, the technical difficulties are generally moderate. The fixed protections assist in the most exposed or vertical sections. The limestone rock is excellent and pleasant to tackle. The Rifugio Piazza is usually open on Thursdays and Sundays, even in winter with rare exceptions; from Lecco, its opening is signaled by the flag on the pinnacle of the chapel of the Madonna del Carmine. The Sentiero dei Tecett can be linked on the ascent with other routes: with trail 52 Spreafico to the Belvedere del Coltignone, with trail 57 toward the summit of Corno Regismondo or Monte San Martino, and continuing on trail 57 to connect with the Sentiero Attrezzato GER and reach the summit of Medale. For the descent, the most recommended option remains the Sentiero dei Pizzetti.

Overall analysis of the route reveals an itinerary with a fluid and accessible pace, where the technical commitment is moderate but the exposure and scenery are top-notch. The morphology of the limestone bastion, with its development along sloping ledges and slabs, defines a simple but thrilling climbing experience, perfect for approaching the via ferrata environment or for a highly satisfying scenic day out.