🍂 Halloween 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 before the event based on weather and trail conditions.

🚆 Getting there

We'll meet in Milan in the morning and travel together towards Stresa.
After completing the hike, we'll finish in the lakeside village of Belgirate, where we hope to have some time for a coffee, aperitivo or a little relaxation by the water.
Tentative schedule:
08:00–08:30 Meet in Milan
10:15 Start hiking in Stresa
12:30 Lunch break along the trail
14:30 Arrive in Belgirate
14:30–16:00 Coffee, drinks and socialising
16:00–16:30 Travel back towards Milan

Times are indicative and depend on the final train connections and group pace.
We'll share the exact meeting point, transport arrangements and final itinerary with registered participants before the event.
No car needed!

🎒 What to bring

Hiking or trail shoes with good grip — strongly recommended, especially with potentially slippery autumn leaves and stone paths.
Water: At least 1–1.5 litres per person.
Packed lunch and snacks: We'll stop somewhere scenic to eat together.
Layers and a waterproof jacket: Autumn weather around the lake can be unpredictable.
A small backpack: To carry your belongings comfortably.
A little cash or a card: For transport and any drinks afterwards.

And, of course, bring your curiosity and a willingness to meet new people!

👋 Who is this for?

Anyone who enjoys nature, walking and meeting people in a relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you're new to Milan, have been living here for years, work remotely, are an international or a local — you're welcome.
This is a social hike, not a competitive one. We'll maintain a comfortable group pace, take breaks and make sure everyone stays together.
Come alone or bring a friend. Either way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other people.
Walk a little. Talk a lot. Enjoy autumn outside Milan.

📌 Good to know

Participation: Free. This is a volunteer-organised community activity.
Transport: Train tickets are not included. Everyone purchases their own ticket.
Food and drinks: Not included. Bring your own lunch.
Weather: The hike may be modified, postponed or cancelled in case of unsuitable conditions.
Registration: Please register only if you genuinely intend to participate, as group size and logistics need to be managed.

⚠️ Safety & Responsibility

This is an informal community hike organised by volunteers, not a professionally guided excursion.
By participating, you acknowledge that hiking involves inherent risks, including uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, falls, changing weather conditions and other outdoor hazards.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are physically capable of completing the advertised route and for bringing suitable footwear, clothing, food, water and any necessary personal medication.
Everyone is expected to follow the agreed route, remain with the group and behave responsibly. Anyone choosing to leave the group or deviate from the planned route does so independently.
The organisers reserve the right to modify, shorten, postpone or cancel the hike if conditions make the planned activity unsuitable.
New in Milan and its volunteer organisers are not professional mountain guides. To the extent permitted by applicable law, they cannot accept responsibility for injuries, losses or damage arising from participation. This does not exclude liability where exclusion is prohibited by law.
Participation is voluntary and at each participant's own risk.