🍂 Autumn Escape: Chestnut Forests & Lake Maggiore
A social hike from Stresa to Belgirate with New in Milan
Want to escape Milan for a day, enjoy some autumn colours and meet new people along the way?
We're heading to Lake Maggiore for a scenic autumn hike along the Sentiero dei Castagni (Chestnut Trail), travelling together from Milan by public transport.
Think colourful forests, old stone paths, charming hillside villages and beautiful views over the lake.
This isn't about racing to the top or setting hiking records. It's about spending a good day outdoors, enjoying the scenery, sharing lunch along the trail and getting to know new people.
And hopefully, we'll finish with a well-deserved coffee or aperitivo by the lake before heading back to Milan. ☕🍷
Coming alone? Perfectly normal. Most people joining New in Milan events don't know everyone beforehand. That's part of the idea!
🥾 The hike: Sentiero dei Castagni
We'll follow an established hiking trail connecting Stresa to Belgirate, along the western shore of Lake Maggiore.
The route winds through chestnut woodland, historic villages and old mule tracks, with lovely views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
October and November are particularly beautiful times to explore this area, when the forests turn shades of gold, orange and brown.
Trail details:
📍 Route: Stresa → Belgirate
🥾 Distance: Approximately 8 km
⛰️ Elevation gain: Approximately 400 m cumulative
⏱️ Walking time: Around 3 hours, excluding breaks
🍂 Terrain: Woodland trails, stone paths, dirt tracks and some paved sections
💪 Difficulty: Moderate
🚆 Transport: Public transport from Milan
The trail includes some uphill and downhill sections, so this is a proper hike rather than a leisurely lakeside walk.
You don't need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking for several hours on uneven terrain.
We'll take our time, enjoy the views and stop for lunch somewhere along the way.
The final route will be confirmed bef