Overview

Loop trail skirting Rocca Turale and Rocca Tovetto, in a wild environment and the most authentic nature of Pian della Mussa.


Starting point

Directions

At the end of the car park located below Rifugio Ciriè, take the dirt road on the left near a notice board. Upon reaching the bridge over the Stura stream, cross it and turn immediately left.

The trail follows the stream southward, crossing the meadows with a fairly evident path until reaching some alpine pastures on the right. After passing the pastures, the trail reaches a wooden footbridge over Rio d’Arnas. Once crossed, the path enters a larch forest where a few meters later you will find Alpe Ghiaire.

From here the trail curves slightly southwest and continues uphill to the right of the pasture, ascending the slope that runs alongside Canale d’Arnas. After approximately 50 minutes, the trail curves southeast near a ford, then climbs in a few meters to Pian Turale.

From the plateau you can enjoy a remarkable view of Ciamarella, while in the distance you can glimpse Pian Ciamarella. Behind you are Rocca Turu and Becca d’Arnas.

The trail crosses the plain, skirting the base of Rocca Turale and continuing straight toward Colle Sud del Tovetto. Shortly before the start of the ascent to the pass (1.10h), the trail descends into a small depression located between Rocca Turale and Rocca Tovetto, where the path is not evident due to the lush vegetation. Keep as far right as possible while traversing the depression and take the path that climbs in a few minutes to Colle Sud del Tovetto (2,165 m), from which a wonderful panorama of Bessanese will open up.

From the pass, begin the descent toward Vallone di Saulera, with Rocca Tovo on the horizon. At the end of the descent (1.45h) you will encounter some marker poles; disregard the other signs and follow trail 218 A, which curves left to descend through Vallone di Saulera.

At the end of the descent you will reach a group of white huts, which you skirt on the right, then cross the bridge over the Stura stream and arrive at Grange della Mussa. From here, return to the starting point by following the paved road for the first section, then walking along it at the end of the equipped area.