Difficulty: Intermediate, 966 m of elevation gain, 13 km, highest point 2058 m.

What does the price include?

Included: Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included), Guiddy accident insurance and Certified Guide. Not included: Optional lunch in hut and Fuel, parking and any tolls (managed by common cash register).

Return to the cars at Cheggio, Antrona Schieranco (VB).

IT EN

PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE

iWhat does it mean?

Rifugio Andolla & Lake dei Cavalli: an autumn loop in Valle Antrona

Antrona Schieranco, provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola · Piemonte•1 day · Saturday•Hiking · 2,058 m

Experience

Day hikes

Difficulty ?

INTERMEDIATE PLUS

Where?

provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piemonte

On your own?

No problem

Points

+19

Rifugio Andolla & Lake dei Cavalli: an autumn loop in Valle Antrona

Community photos

See all photos

Overview

The experience

Difficulty

What's included

Itinerary

Carpooling

What to bring

Your guide

Reviews

Questions

WHY THIS HIKE

Andolla: lake & rifugio loop

A turquoise lake, a mountain rifugio, and autumn colors setting the whole valley on fire.

Group chat a couple of days before

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Cheggio, where the Lake dei Cavalli greets us with a blue so vivid it looks almost unreal. We stroll through larch woods turning gold this season, then climb the rocky slope, gaining real elevation in the final stretches before the plateau. Waiting for us is the Rifugio Andolla, at 2061 meters, steeped in a century of history tied to the valley's shepherds and hydroelectric works. The route is a loop: we return with fresh eyes on the same heights, through ups and downs that keep revealing new views of the lake. A fresh fountain along the way is perfect for a quick break, and those who want can take a small detour to the Alpe del Gabbio, a scenic spot worth the extra steps.

The lake we see today is man-made, but it sits in a glacial basin that once held a natural lake — nature and human hands met here long before us.

5 reasons to join - the incredible turquoise of Lake dei Cavalli - Rifugio Andolla, a historic stop in Alta Valle Antrona - golden larch foliage lighting up the woods - a loop trail with ever-changing views - a fresh fountain along the way to catch your breath

Who it's for You'll need decent fitness: some climbs and descents are steep, but nothing technical. Perfect for lovers of long autumn hikes.

Join the Guidders: book now and enjoy autumn in Valle Antrona with us.

GOOD TO KNOW

Group chat

It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.

Free cancellation up to 3 days before

For the selected date: by 20 October, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.

Guiddy accident insurance

Included in the price.

+19 Guiddy points

Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.

Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)

Included in the price.

Dog friendly

Your dog can come: add them when you book.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale

INTERMEDIATE PLUS

F+

I+

D+

966 m D+ · 13 km · 5h30

Easy

Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.

Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.

Easy Plus

A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.

Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.

Intermediate

Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!

Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.

When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers

Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths

Difficult

Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.

Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.

Difficult Plus

Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.

Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO

✓

BEFORE YOU GO

Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5h30 and 966 m of ascent ahead, you need regular training, it's a pace to keep up for hours

✓

IN YOUR BACKPACK

Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED

✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)

✓Guiddy accident insurance

✓Certified Guide

✕NOT INCLUDED

✕Optional lunch in hut

✕Fuel, parking and any tolls (managed by common cash register)

✕Travel to Antrona Schieranco

To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.

Elevation gain

966 m

Max altitude

2,058 m

Distance

13 km

Duration

5h30

Saturday

24 Oct

13 km · D+ 966 m · 5h30

The stops · 13 km

Meeting point 9:00approximate

Return to the cars at Cheggio, Via Cheggio 102, 28841 Antrona Schieranco provincia del Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.

HOW TO GET THERE

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

09:00MEETING

Meeting at Cheggio, Lago dei Cavalli

We meet the Guidders at Cheggio, Alpe Fraccia, Antrona Schieranco (VB), with the turquoise lake keeping us company. The start time is indicative and may change depending on the season: the exact one will be shared on the event's Telegram group.

11:30WATER

Towards the pass, among rocks and golden colours

We climb along the side of the valley as the woods thin out and the autumn colours paint every shade around us. The trail gets steeper, step by step we gain altitude among the rocks.

12:00WATER

Rifugio Andolla — Lunch stop

We reach Rifugio Andolla, at 2061 metres, among the peaks of the Alta Valle Antrona: we stop for a lunch with a view that's worth every step taken. A real moment of celebration, with the group and the autumn colours all around.

13:30WATER

Descent towards Lago dei Cavalli

We descend via a different path, with the trail overlooking the lake here and there and the golden afternoon light lighting up the larch woods. A steep stretch comes along, but the view over the lake rewards every step.

15:00WATER

Return to the cars at Cheggio

We close the loop back to the cars at Cheggio, with Lago dei Cavalli waving goodbye to the autumn day. Once the hike is done with the Guidders, we all stop together for a cold beer or a coke.

How do you get to Antrona Schieranco? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING

for the selected date

Offering a seat Looking for a seat

Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.

What to bring

A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.

Trekking boots

REQUIRED

Backpack

REQUIRED

Water supply

REQUIRED

Windproof

REQUIRED

Packed lunch

REQUIRED

Trekking poles

RECOMMENDED

Cap

RECOMMENDED

Sunscreen

RECOMMENDED

Layered clothing

RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Guide for this date · Saturday 24 October

Dario M.

We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Dario, an environmental hiking guide and a beekeeper. 🐝 The mountains are my home: between trekking, trail running and mountaineering I'm out looking for new adventures to live and share every day. I love exploring trails, finding hidden corners and watching nature with curiosity, respect and passion — things that beekeeping taught me to look at very close up. Taking people out is what excites me most: seeing the astonishment in someone's eyes when they reach a summit, cross a wood or discover something new makes every outing special. My goal? To give you real experiences, where the journey counts as much as the destination, always with a smile and in good company. 🌲 See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Italiano

Inglese

Guida Ambientale Escursionistica

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Same guide, same path to grow.

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PICKED FOR YOU BY IBEX

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Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.

—

no reviews yet

Itinerary—

Organisation—

Overall experience—

The first reviews come after the outing

We only ask for feedback from people who were really there.

You'll be among the first to share your story.

Questions?

I've only done easy trails, can I come?

⌄

Flat or slightly inclined sections with short stretches on steep slopes and rocks, not tiring or demanding. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5h30 with 966 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.

Can I join on my own?

⌄

How does carpooling work?

⌄

What happens if the weather is bad?

⌄

What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?

⌄

Until when can I cancel?

⌄

Book now, pay only if it goes ahead

Rifugio Andolla & Lake dei Cavalli: an autumn loop in Valle Antrona

Antrona Schieranco, (VB) · Piemonte

1 day · Hiking · 2,058 m

New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it

Elevation gain

966 m

Max altitude

2,058 m

Distance

13 km

Duration

5h30

Guiddy points

+19

7 photos

+3 photos

WHY THIS HIKE

Andolla: lake & rifugio loop

A turquoise lake, a mountain rifugio, and autumn colors setting the whole valley on fire.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

The lake we see today is man-made, but it sits in a glacial basin that once held a natural lake — nature and human hands met here long before us.

Who it's for You'll need decent fitness: some climbs and descents are steep, but nothing technical. Perfect for lovers of long autumn hikes.

Join the Guidders: book now and enjoy autumn in Valle Antrona with us.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale

INTERMEDIATE PLUS

F+

I+

D+

966 m D+ · 13 km · 5h30

Easy

Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.

Easy Plus

A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.

Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.

Intermediate

Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.

Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths

Difficult

Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.

Difficult Plus

Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO

✓

BEFORE YOU GO

Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5h30 and 966 m of ascent ahead, you need regular training, it's a pace to keep up for hours

✓

IN YOUR BACKPACK

Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter, plus poles. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED

✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)

✓Guiddy accident insurance

✓Certified Guide

NOT INCLUDED

✕Optional lunch in hut

✕Fuel, parking and any tolls (managed by common cash register)

✕Travel to Antrona Schieranco

Itinerary

Saturday · approximate times

Stops · 13 km

Meeting point 9:00Return to the cars at Cheggio

We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

09:00MEETING

Meeting at Cheggio, Lago dei Cavalli

11:30WATER

Towards the pass, among rocks and golden colours

We climb along the side of the valley as the woods thin out and the autumn colours paint every shade around us. The trail gets steeper, step by step we gain altitude among the rocks.

12:00WATER

Rifugio Andolla — Lunch stop

13:30WATER

Descent towards Lago dei Cavalli

15:00WATER

Return to the cars at Cheggio

We close the loop back to the cars at Cheggio, with Lago dei Cavalli waving goodbye to the autumn day. Once the hike is done with the Guidders, we all stop together for a cold beer or a coke.