A single hectare of water hidden in the Orobie

In the middle of the Orobie Alps lies a small, hidden gem: Lago Branchino, a pool of barely one hectare set among some of the range's most imposing peaks and watched over by Pizzo Arera.

The experience

There are several ways in; we start from lovely Valcanale, above Ardesio. The trail alternates mule tracks through woodland with more open stretches, at gentle gradients and with views widening at every bend. We reach Passo Branchino, from where Val Seriana and Val Brembana are taken in together, and from there the lake.

To round off the day there is a stop at Rifugio Branchino for a traditional lunch, then a second one at Rifugio Alpe Corte for a herbal tea before heading down: 12 kilometres and 800 metres of ascent, with two huts along the way.

This is an intermediate hike: 800 metres of ascent over twelve kilometres, at steady gradients and with no technical sections. Suited to anyone who walks fairly regularly. Bring boots, water and a windproof jacket: there is no shortage of wind at the pass.

Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's walk up to the Branchino.

How hard is it, really

What's included in the price

Itinerary

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

Sunday

18 Oct

12 km · D+ 800 m · 6 h

The stops · 12 km

Meeting point 9:30approximate

Punto di ritrovo, Via Alpe Corte 36, 24020 Ardesio 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

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09:30MEETING

Meeting in Valcanale, above Ardesio

We meet the Guidders at the end of the Valcanale road, above Ardesio (BG), near the small lake, where we leave the cars. Introductions, a backpack check and off along the mule track into the woods. The exact time is shared in the outing's Telegram group.

12:15LAKE

Lago Branchino

After Passo Branchino, with Val Seriana and Val Brembana opening on either side, we reach the lake. It is small, barely a hectare, but Pizzo Arera towering above makes it one of the most photographed spots in the Orobie. A stop for photos.

12:45MOUNTAIN HUT

Lunch at Rifugio Branchino

A few steps from the lake we stop at Rifugio Branchino for lunch, with traditional Orobie dishes. Anyone who prefers eats a packed lunch on the meadows outside: either way, the break is together.

14:30WATER

Herbal tea at Rifugio Alpe Corte

On the way down we stop at Rifugio Alpe Corte for a herbal tea: the last sociable moment of the day, when everyone swaps stories about the climb before heading back to the cars.

15:30RETURN

Back to Valcanale

A last stretch of mule track down to the Valcanale car park, in the shade of the woods. At the cars we take the time for a toast before saying goodbye.

What to bring

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

Questions?