PROPOSED BY THE GUIDE
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San Defendente: a scenic trek above Lake Iseo

Castro, Bergamo · Lombardia•1 day · Saturday•Hiking · 670 m
Experience
Day hikes
Difficulty ?
EASY PLUS
Where?
Bergamo, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+14
San Defendente: a scenic trek above Lake Iseo
Community photos
See all photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Your guide
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE

San Defendente Between Sky and Lake

An ancient mule track, a bridge carved out by the mountain stream, and a small church overlooking the whole of Lake Iseo from above.

Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Poltragno, a hamlet of Castro, and immediately take the old mule track of the Lake Iseo Agritourism Trail.

We climb steadily through woods and clearings, with a few steeper stretches to keep us on our toes, until we reach the Esmate plateau. Here awaits San Defendente, a small church renowned as one of the most beautiful panoramic spots in the entire Iseo area.

The route is out-and-back: the same path for the climb and for a leisurely descent.

Don't be surprised if, along the first stretch of the mule track, you come across some little donkeys grazing freely near a fork in the path: they're right at home here, and they love a good cuddle.

4 reasons to join: - a panoramic little church among the most beautiful on Lake Iseo - the view over Corna Trentapassi and Monte Isola - the donkeys welcoming us along the way - the perfect outing for those who want to walk worry-free

Who it's suitable for A hiking route accessible to everyone, with no technical difficulties: all you need are legs and the will to walk for a few hours.

Book your spot and come discover San Defendente with the Guiddy community: we set off together in the morning, backpack on and eyes on the lake.

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 27 October, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+14 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Dog friendly
Your dog can come: add them when you book.

How hard is it, really

Guiddy scale
EASY PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
452 m D+ · 9 km · 6 h
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 6 h and 452 m of ascent ahead, if you go on a long walk now and then, you'll be fine
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included in the price

✓INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Travel to Castro
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.

Itinerary

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

Elevation gain
452 m
Max altitude
670 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
6 h
Map
Saturday
31 Oct
9 km · D+ 452 m · 6 h
Meeting point 9:00approximate
Return to the cars in Poltragno, Via Poltragno 7, 24063 Castro provincia di Bergamo, 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
A
09:00MEETING
Meeting point in Poltragno, Castro
We meet up with the Guidders in Poltragno, a hamlet of Castro (BG), ready for the hike to San Defendente. The start time is indicative and may change with the season: the exact one will be shared in the Telegram group.
B
10:00WATER
Mule track through the woods with the donkeys
We climb a mule track surrounded by greenery, with a few ups and downs that keep the legs busy. Don't be surprised if you meet the donkeys grazing freely near the trail, looking for a bit of attention.
C
11:30WATER
Steep climb toward the plateau
Here the trail gets steeper, climbing step by step through the woods, with views opening up over Corna Trentapassi and Monte Isola. The effort is worth every bend of this scenic stretch.
D
12:00WATER
San Defendente — lunch break
We arrive at the little church of San Defendente: one of the most beautiful viewpoints over Lake Iseo. We stop here for lunch, with a view that truly rewards every step of the climb.
E
15:00WATER
Return to the cars in Poltragno
We close the loop heading back down to Poltragno, passing near the 1400s Maglio before returning to the cars. With the Guidders we treat ourselves to a cold beer or a coke to toast the day.

How do you get to Castro? 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
First aid kit
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Layered clothing
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Guide for this date · Saturday 31 October
Donatella P.
Donatella P.
· 8 outings with Guiddy
We'll email you when they have a new outing on the calendar.

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Donatella, and the mountains have fascinated me for as long as I can remember, since I was a child discovering the trails around Lake Endine. I live them all round, in every season, and since 1997 I've turned that passion into my profession as a mid-mountain leader. Since 2024 I'm an e-bike guide too: a different, rather special way of having real experiences across gravel tracks, trails and wonders you get to see with new eyes. For me, getting to know nature is the first step towards respecting it. Every walk comes with some effort, but also with incredible views, colours, emotions and moments that stay with you — and those are what bring you back. 🥾🚵‍♀️ See you in the mountains, Guidders!

Inglese
Francese
Guida di Media Montagna

Reviews

Only from people who completed the outing.
—
no reviews yet
Itinerary—
Organisation—
Overall experience—
Ibex
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?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 452 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
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before (for this date: 27 October, 23:59)
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Ibex
Still have questions? Ask Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Hi, I'm Ibex. Ask me anything about this outing: level, what to bring, meeting point, car pooling, payment.
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice. Prefer WhatsApp?
San Defendente: a scenic trek above Lake Iseo

San Defendente: a scenic trek above Lake Iseo

Castro, (BG) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 670 m
New: you'll be among the first Guidders to do it
Elevation gain
452 m
Max altitude
670 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
6 h
Guiddy points
+14
7 photos
+3 photos
WHY THIS HIKE

San Defendente Between Sky and Lake

An ancient mule track, a bridge carved out by the mountain stream, and a small church overlooking the whole of Lake Iseo from above.

Come alone, leave with new friends

The experience

We set off with the Guidders from Poltragno, a hamlet of Castro, and immediately take the old mule track of the Lake Iseo Agritourism Trail.

We climb steadily through woods and clearings, with a few steeper stretches to keep us on our toes, until we reach the Esmate plateau. Here awaits San Defendente, a small church renowned as one of the most beautiful panoramic spots in the entire Iseo area.

The route is out-and-back: the same path for the climb and for a leisurely descent.

Don't be surprised if, along the first stretch of the mule track, you come across some little donkeys grazing freely near a fork in the path: they're right at home here, and they love a good cuddle.

4 reasons to join: - a panoramic little church among the most beautiful on Lake Iseo - the view over Corna Trentapassi and Monte Isola - the donkeys welcoming us along the way - the perfect outing for those who want to walk worry-free

Who it's suitable for A hiking route accessible to everyone, with no technical difficulties: all you need are legs and the will to walk for a few hours.

Book your spot and come discover San Defendente with the Guiddy community: we set off together in the morning, backpack on and eyes on the lake.

How hard is it

Guiddy scale
EASY PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
452 m D+ · 9 km · 6 h
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 6 h and 452 m of ascent ahead, if you go on a long walk now and then, you'll be fine
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, 1.5 litres of water and a headlamp: the days are getting shorter. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish

What's included

INCLUDED
✓Certified Guide
✓Guiddy accident insurance
NOT INCLUDED
✕Meals
✕Travel to Castro

Itinerary

Saturday · approximate times
Map
Explore the map
5 stops
Meeting point 9:00Return to the cars in Poltragno
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
A
09:00MEETING
Meeting point in Poltragno, Castro
We meet up with the Guidders in Poltragno, a hamlet of Castro (BG), ready for the hike to San Defendente. The start time is indicative and may change with the season: the exact one will be shared in the Telegram group.
B
10:00WATER
Mule track through the woods with the donkeys
We climb a mule track surrounded by greenery, with a few ups and downs that keep the legs busy. Don't be surprised if you meet the donkeys grazing freely near the trail, looking for a bit of attention.
C
11:30WATER
Steep climb toward the plateau
Here the trail gets steeper, climbing step by step through the woods, with views opening up over Corna Trentapassi and Monte Isola. The effort is worth every bend of this scenic stretch.
D
12:00WATER
San Defendente — lunch break
We arrive at the little church of San Defendente: one of the most beautiful viewpoints over Lake Iseo. We stop here for lunch, with a view that truly rewards every step of the climb.
E
15:00WATER
Return to the cars in Poltragno
We close the loop heading back down to Poltragno, passing near the 1400s Maglio before returning to the cars. With the Guidders we treat ourselves to a cold beer or a coke to toast the day.

How do you get to Castro? By carpooling.

You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.

WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for this 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.
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Windproof
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
First aid kit
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Sunscreen
RECOMMENDED
Layered clothing
RECOMMENDED

Your guide

Saturday 31 October
Donatella P.
Donatella P.
8 outings with Guiddy
Guida di Media Montagna

Hi Guidders! 🧡 I'm Donatella, and the mountains have fascinated me for as long as I can remember, since I was a child discovering the trails around Lake Endine. I live them all round, in every season, and since 1997 I've turned that passion into my profession as a mid-mountain leader. Since 2024 I'm an e-bike guide too: a different, rather special way of having real experiences across gravel tracks, trails and wonders you get to see with new eyes. For me, getting to know nature is the first step towards respecting it. Every walk comes with some effort, but also with incredible views, colours, emotions and moments that stay with you — and those are what bring you back. 🥾🚵‍♀️ See you in the mountains, Guidders!

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

Reviews

— · none yet
Ibex
The first reviews come after the outing
Only 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?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 6 h with 452 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?
⌄
Sat 31 Oct
€25
per person
Book now →
Pay only if confirmed