The Maira Valley's circular hiking trail
Dronero, Valle Maira Piedmont
The Maira Valley's trail „Percorsi Occitani“ is a circular hiking trail, which is made up of a number of old paths.
On the right side of the valley, the path leads mostly through wooded area. On the left side it leads mostly through open terrain. In the upper part of the Maira Valley, the path crosses an alpine, rocky zone above the timberline.
The path leads on altitudes between 600 and 2500 m above sea level. You hike through a landscape that is permanently changing and you gain insight into a culture that has vanished a long time ago. The area is very depopulated.
On the right side of the valley, the path leads mostly through wooded area. On the left side it leads mostly through open terrain. In the upper part of the Maira Valley, the path crosses an alpine, rocky zone above the timberline.
The path leads on altitudes between 600 and 2500 m above sea level. You hike through a landscape that is permanently changing and you gain insight into a culture that has vanished a long time ago. The area is very depopulated.
Well-trodden paths
Many hamlets have given way to decay. You hike on the well-trodden paths – but this is not to be taken literally: the paths that used to be well frequented by man and beast a long time ago, are no longer used nowadays, apart from the hikers from the North looking for variety and recreation.
It happens that you hike for days without meeting anyone. In case you meet someone, you will notice that there are mostly German speaking hikers on the trail; so far, Italians hardly use the trail. The path can be used from the beginning of May until the snow begins to fall, usually in November and it is not dangerous since there are no exposed sections and it is well marked in yellow. Thus it can also be recommended to families with children. You only need a bit of stamina and sturdy hiking boots.
In the springtime there may still be snow in the higher areas, which may make hiking difficult or impossible. With the appropriate gear, you could also do the tour in winter. However, many accommodations along the trail are closed in winter and the snow covers many of the yellow marks.
It happens that you hike for days without meeting anyone. In case you meet someone, you will notice that there are mostly German speaking hikers on the trail; so far, Italians hardly use the trail. The path can be used from the beginning of May until the snow begins to fall, usually in November and it is not dangerous since there are no exposed sections and it is well marked in yellow. Thus it can also be recommended to families with children. You only need a bit of stamina and sturdy hiking boots.
In the springtime there may still be snow in the higher areas, which may make hiking difficult or impossible. With the appropriate gear, you could also do the tour in winter. However, many accommodations along the trail are closed in winter and the snow covers many of the yellow marks.
Path marks of the GTA and P.O.
60 Hours of enjoyable hiking
Lago Resile, Marmora, Valle Maira
The Maira Valley's path P.O. can be done in a total of approx. 60 hours, comfortably in 10 - 14 days. Some of the P.O.'s sections are identically to the GTA long-distance path (marked red and white) as well as to other paths.
In some places the path presents alternatives, these are marked blue-yellow. You can begin or end the circular path anywhere and of course you can do also only single sections of the trail or combine it with other trails of the dense network of paths in the Maira Valley.
In some places the path presents alternatives, these are marked blue-yellow. You can begin or end the circular path anywhere and of course you can do also only single sections of the trail or combine it with other trails of the dense network of paths in the Maira Valley.
Good food and accommodation
You can find accommodations directly at the path or at a reasonable walking distance from the P.O. There, you can sleep in a double room or a dormitory at a reasonable price, enjoy a delicious dinner and continue your hike after the breakfast on the next day. It is recommended to call a day in advance for reservation. If you would like to enjoy the hike even more, you can hike without your luggage and let transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next one by the Sherpabus.
The Pensione Ceaglio is a member of the organization „Percorsi Occitani“. It offers double-rooms with WC/shower, a dormitory and a restaurant.
The Pensione Ceaglio is a member of the organization „Percorsi Occitani“. It offers double-rooms with WC/shower, a dormitory and a restaurant.
Pensione Ceaglio, Marmora-Vernetti, Valle Maira
Clockwise or anti-clockwise
The Percorsi occitani can be completed in a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction. Both directions have their appeal. We recommend to try both directions: one year clockwise, the next year anti-clockwise. The Maira Valley is too beautiful to visit it only once!
Original version
2nd Leg: Bedale e Paglieres
The following presentation of the trail is the original version in clockwise direction; however, also the time necessary for the hikes in the opposite direction are given. The legs listed as 1 and 2 are rarely used today, as there are no accommodations on a relatively long section.
Hiking this section of the trail, however, is also worthwhile. So far, unfortunatelly, there have only been announcements of opening accommodations. As it is now, you need to arrange to be picked up or hike both legs in one day. The path is well marked.
Hiking this section of the trail, however, is also worthwhile. So far, unfortunatelly, there have only been announcements of opening accommodations. As it is now, you need to arrange to be picked up or hike both legs in one day. The path is well marked.
Percorsi Occitani: the legs
Original Leg 1
Ruà del Prato, Valle Maira
Start: Tetti di Dronero, 667 m
Destination: Santa Margherita, 1324 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 660 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 2 h 45
Altitude difference: - 660 m
Original Leg 2
Bedale - Paglieres, Valle Maira
Start: Santa Margherita, 1324m
Destination: Chiesa, Celle di Macra, 1270 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 200 m, - 250 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 3.30
Altitude difference: + 250 m, - 200 m
Leg 3
Albaretto - Macra, Valle Maira
Start: Chiesa, Celle Macra, 1270 m
Destination: Palent, 1463 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 575 m, - 380m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 2 h 45
Altitude difference: + 380, - 575 m
Leg 4
Borg. Marmora, and Monviso, Valle Maira
Start: Palent, 1463 m
Destination: Marmora-Arata, 1389 m
Destination: Marmora-Finello, 1370 m
Destination: Marmora-Vernetti, 1223 m
Time needed: 3 h 45
Altitude difference: + 300 m, - 500 m(Vernetti)
Time needed in the opposite direction: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 500 m, - 300 m
Marmora - Bassura, Stroppo, Valle Maira
Alternative: Marmora - Bassura (Stroppo)
Leg 5
Lago Resile, Valle Maira
Start: Marmora-Vernetti, 1223 m
Destination: La Gardetta, La Meja, 2070 m
Time needed: 7 h 30
Altitude difference: + 1350 m, - 460 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 6 h 30
Altitude difference: + 460 m, - 1350 m
Canosio - Soleglio Bue, Valle Maira
Alternative: Marmora - Soleglio Bue - Chialvetta
Alternative: San Giovanni - Prazzo - Ussolo
Leg 6
La Gardetta, from Rocca la Meja, Valle Maira
Start: La Gardetta-La Meja, 2070 m
Destination: Chialvetta, 1494 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 470 m, - 940 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 940 m, - 470 m
Leg 7
Viviere, Valle Maira
Start: Chialvetta, 1494 m
Destination: Chiappera, 1614 m,
Time needed: 5 h
Altitude difference: + 800 m, - 670 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 670 m, - 800 m
Leg 8
Rocca Provenzale - Chiappera, Valle Maira
Start: Chiappera, 1614 m
Destination: Ussolo, 1340 m
Time needed: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 590 m, - 860 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 6 h 00
Altitude difference: + 860 m, - 590 m
Leg 9
Clari - Elva, Valle Maira
Start: Ussolo 1340 m
Destination: Elva-Serre, 1637 m
Time needed: 7 h 00
Altitude difference: + 1250 m, - 950 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 6 h 00
Altitude difference: + 950 m, - 1250 m
Leg 10
San Martino Superiore, Valle Maira
Destination: Elva-Serre, 1637 m
Destination: Stroppo, San Martino Inferiore, 1380 m
Time needed: 2 h 15
Altitude difference: + 250 m, - 500 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 3 h 00
Altitude difference: + 500 m, - 250 m
Leg 11
Sentiero dei Ciclamini, Valle Maira
San Pietro, Stroppo, Valle Maira
Destination: Stroppo, San Martino Inferiore, 1380 m
Destination: Macra, 875 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 320 m, - 930 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 5 h 00
Altitude difference: + 930 m, - 320 m
Leg 12
Pagliero, Valle Maira
Start: Macra, 875 m
Destination: Pagliero, 1015 m
Time needed: 5 h 00
Altitude difference: + 650 m, - 470 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 4 h 00
Altitude difference: + 470 m, - 650 m
Leg 13
S. Anna di Roccabruna, Valle Maira
Start: Pagliero, 1015 m
Destination: S. Anna di Roccabruna, 1252 m
Time needed: 3 h 00
Altitude difference: + 475 m, - 240 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 2 h 30
Altitude difference: + 240 m, - 475 m
Leg 14
I Ciciu del Villar, Valle Maira
Start: S. Anna di Roccabruna, 1252 m
Destination: Villar S. Costanzo, 605 m
Time needed: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 350 m, - 1000 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 6 h 30
Altitude difference: + 1000 m, - 350 m
Original Leg 1
Ruà del Prato, Valle Maira
Destination: Santa Margherita, 1324 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 660 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 2 h 45
Altitude difference: - 660 m
Original Leg 2
Bedale - Paglieres, Valle Maira
Destination: Chiesa, Celle di Macra, 1270 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 200 m, - 250 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 3.30
Altitude difference: + 250 m, - 200 m
Leg 3
Albaretto - Macra, Valle Maira
Destination: Palent, 1463 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 575 m, - 380m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 2 h 45
Altitude difference: + 380, - 575 m
Leg 4
Borg. Marmora, and Monviso, Valle Maira
Destination: Marmora-Arata, 1389 m
Destination: Marmora-Finello, 1370 m
Destination: Marmora-Vernetti, 1223 m
Time needed: 3 h 45
Altitude difference: + 300 m, - 500 m(Vernetti)
Time needed in the opposite direction: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 500 m, - 300 m
Marmora - Bassura, Stroppo, Valle Maira
Leg 5
Lago Resile, Valle Maira
Destination: La Gardetta, La Meja, 2070 m
Time needed: 7 h 30
Altitude difference: + 1350 m, - 460 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 6 h 30
Altitude difference: + 460 m, - 1350 m
Canosio - Soleglio Bue, Valle Maira
Alternative: San Giovanni - Prazzo - Ussolo
Leg 6
La Gardetta, from Rocca la Meja, Valle Maira
Destination: Chialvetta, 1494 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 470 m, - 940 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 940 m, - 470 m
Leg 7
Viviere, Valle Maira
Destination: Chiappera, 1614 m,
Time needed: 5 h
Altitude difference: + 800 m, - 670 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 670 m, - 800 m
Leg 8
Rocca Provenzale - Chiappera, Valle Maira
Destination: Ussolo, 1340 m
Time needed: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 590 m, - 860 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 6 h 00
Altitude difference: + 860 m, - 590 m
Leg 9
Clari - Elva, Valle Maira
Destination: Elva-Serre, 1637 m
Time needed: 7 h 00
Altitude difference: + 1250 m, - 950 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 6 h 00
Altitude difference: + 950 m, - 1250 m
Leg 10
San Martino Superiore, Valle Maira
Destination: Stroppo, San Martino Inferiore, 1380 m
Time needed: 2 h 15
Altitude difference: + 250 m, - 500 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 3 h 00
Altitude difference: + 500 m, - 250 m
Leg 11
Sentiero dei Ciclamini, Valle Maira
San Pietro, Stroppo, Valle Maira
Destination: Macra, 875 m
Time needed: 3 h 30
Altitude difference: + 320 m, - 930 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 5 h 00
Altitude difference: + 930 m, - 320 m
Leg 12
Pagliero, Valle Maira
Destination: Pagliero, 1015 m
Time needed: 5 h 00
Altitude difference: + 650 m, - 470 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 4 h 00
Altitude difference: + 470 m, - 650 m
Leg 13
S. Anna di Roccabruna, Valle Maira
Destination: S. Anna di Roccabruna, 1252 m
Time needed: 3 h 00
Altitude difference: + 475 m, - 240 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 2 h 30
Altitude difference: + 240 m, - 475 m
Leg 14
I Ciciu del Villar, Valle Maira
Destination: Villar S. Costanzo, 605 m
Time needed: 4 h 30
Altitude difference: + 350 m, - 1000 m
Time needed in the opposite direction: 6 h 30
Altitude difference: + 1000 m, - 350 m