Sentiero Attrezzato di Sileggio

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato allo Zucco di Sileggio is a route demanding serious physical commitment, tracing the long, exposed southeastern crest in the territory of Mandello del Lario. Its classification as a sentiero attrezzato accurately reflects the nature of the climb, which is characterized by a succession of rocky sections protected by steel cables and chains, with the exception of two spectacular fixed ladders that overcome the final rise just below the summit. The pace is sustained and the gradient constant, requiring endurance and athletic fitness. The summit cross, perched on a limestone outcrop, marks the end of an ascent that rewards with exceptional 360-degree views, dominating the walls of the Grigne and the vast basin of Lake Como.

Approach

The access sector begins from the hamlet of Sonvico, above Mandello del Lario. Coming from State Road 36, take the exit at Abbadia Lariana to reach Mandello, then follow signs for Somana and finally climb toward Sonvico. At the last junction, keep right, where a few parking spaces are available.

The approach does not attack the steep trail 17B directly but instead opts for the more gradual entry offered by trail 15, which enters a deciduous forest. After about 45 minutes of walking on a well-defined path, you encounter a signpost indicating a left turn for trail 17B, heading toward the Southeast Crest. Taking this route, marked by blue waymarks, you begin a steep, continuous climb that, through a wooded slope, leads to the base of the Zucco di Tura, rejoining the direct ascent route. This approach section takes roughly one hour of walking from the parking area.

Via Ferrata

At the base of the Zucco di Tura, near the remains of a cableway, the equipped section begins. You first tackle a steep slope, a mixed trail of earth and small rocks, where the first aid chains appear. As you climb, the terrain becomes progressively narrower and more crumbly, transforming the fixed protections from simple assistance into an essential element for self-belaying. This section, which runs along a debris ridge, leads to the first significant elevation: the summit of Zucco di Tura, the first of three peaks that punctuate the route.

The path continues eastward, staying true to the crest line-a rocky, often sharp edge that offers progression on good holds. A first descent leads to a well-marked saddle (from which a trail branches off to the right toward Val d'Era), followed by an equally steep ascent toward the Zucco di Morterolo. The route then leads to the crux passage of the entire climb: a vertical chimney about four meters high. The safety cable runs along the left side of the feature, while the best holds and edges for progression are concentrated on the right wall.

Immediately after, you arrive at the foot of the two long metal ladders. The first has a slight overhang, requiring a more athletic movement, while the second is more flush against the rock. Once past the ladders, a final small wall awaits the climber: you traverse it diagonally at first, then ascend vertically. The rock, solid limestone, offers excellent holds and footholds. A short final ramp on more open terrain leads at last to the summit cross of Zucco di Sileggio. The via ferrata takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, for a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes from the parking area.

Descent

From the summit, two main return options are available. The first, more direct, is to follow trail 17A, which descends the western slope, bringing you back to Sonvico in about 1 hour and 30 minutes (for a total of 4h 15min from the start).

The second option, longer but forming a loop, involves continuing north, skirting the Bivacco Sforza, to the Bocchetta di Verdascia. Here, take trail 17A northward, descending into Val d'Era to the junction with trail 17. Turning right and continuing, you reach the intersection with trail 15, which finally leads back to Sonvico. This loop takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes from the summit (for a total of roughly 5 hours). Along trail 15, you'll notice the turnoff for the Sentiero Attrezzato del Fiume, which in this case would be descended; opting for this variant adds about 45 minutes to the total time.

Useful Notes

The chains installed along the route are often somewhat loose, a common characteristic in many via ferratas of the Lecco area, and are not ideal for active pulling. Fortunately, only a couple of specific passages (the chimney and the traverse after the last ladder) might require moderate use; with good climbing technique and adaptation to the style of the route, the ascent is entirely feasible. The itinerary stands out for being long, continuously steep, and for its significant total elevation gain, demanding excellent physical fitness. It is essential to carry a sufficient supply of water for the entire duration of the hike, as there are no sources or refill points along the route.