A hike among high-altitude meadows, ridges, and peaks easily reachable by following ancient service trails for alpine grazing life and a section of the Farinarie Trail.
From Castel Valdajer (1340 m), we follow the almost 6 km of road, first on asphalt and then on dirt, that brings us closer to Lake Dimon (1852 m), in the center of its glacial origin basin. From here, we quickly climb to Malga Montelago (1920 m) where, at the end of the road, we take the path that ascends with some switchbacks to the summit of Monte Paularo (2043 m); the panorama over the Val Grande and the Coglians is exceptional. Returning to the hut (by the ascent route or via the short ridge east of Paularo), we take path 404 – part of the Farinarie Trail – which cuts across the slope of Monte Dimon; 500 meters from the start, path 456 branches off to the left, narrow against the grassy slope, climbing to the ridge of Monte Dimon (2043 m). We continue along the ridge eastward until rejoining path 404, which descends through some switchbacks to the base of a saddle. After a stretch along the ridge, we can (with some effort) spot the ascent to Monte Neddis (1990 m), a must for the spectacular view over Sernio, the Julian Alps, mountains on the border with Austria, the Friulian Dolomites in the distance, Zoncolan, Tersadia, and for the beautiful summit with a cross and bell.
From Neddis, return to 404 and follow it down, passing by Cima Val di Legnan (1709 m, a service hut for a repeater) and, through a series of disused and partially grass-covered alpine roads, reaching the Castello parking area.
It is recommended to do the loop clockwise, first walking along the long access road to keep the beauty of the panoramas in view for the rest of the hike. You walk in an area of natural interest: it is worth stopping to admire the wildflowers.
Tested by Bagaglio Leggero
