SLOW FOOD SLOW TRAVEL: Trekking in Lake Garda: a From Bardolino; Percorso San Rocco

Lake Garda is a vast lake approximately 30 minutes from Verona in Northern Italy. It's southern end, with the medieval bustling town of Sirmione, is wide and almost sea like while the northern half narrows between the imposing alps of the Southern Dolomites. The windy northen tip is popular with sail boarders and water sports fanatics while the southern half us surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, producing optimal produce. The soaring Monte Baldo, accessed by a rotating cable car from Malcesine, provides plenty for he keen hiker but the hills and valleys around Bardolino and Garda also provide wonderful and diverse scenery.

The Percorso San Rocco is signposted as route "M" and can be completed on foot within about 3.5 hours or by mountain bike in around 2 hours. It departs at the northern end of Bardolino from via San Colombano. Initially an asphalt road leads to a dirt track that soon transports you between olive groves and vineyards of the many local producers including Feudo, Vignol and Cortelline. The views back towards the lakeshore of Bardolino beyond the fruitful vineyards and olive groves is also complimented by the undulating hills and mountains that encircle the town. There are many twists and turns along the pathway but the signage is generally excellent. You will see other signs for routes that entwine but you will stay on course if following the M signs throughout. From vineyards and olive groves to rocky moutain paths, this route proved sa surprising and pleasant diversity of terrain. After a couple of hours you head uphill towards Eramo dei Camaldesoni and the walled Hermitage of the Camaldese monks where monks reside in huts on the hillside. Here you can visit the church and they have a store selling their produce like honey and oil.

From here the path circles the mountainside and provides sweeping views over the valleys and townships inland. The path swings around to reveal an M sign pointing to the left and a sign indicating Path A up to Rocca Vecchia. Take the path up to Rocca Vecchia. It's a bit rocky and a little steep but the panoramic views over Bardolino and Garda are the highlight of the entire walk.

To return to Bardolino, return to the signpost before Rocca Vecchia and continue downhill until you reach a fork indicating 2 pathway options. Take the path yo the right. This slowly descends within about an hour to the lakeside of Bardolino.

Path Map