Hard
Piedmont · Italy
- Distance
- 4.7 km / 2.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,128 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr 41 min
- Alpine meadow
- Waymarked route
A04 - Pontetto - Cappella della Croce
HardPiedmont · Italy
- Distance
- 14.9 km (9.3 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 1,947 m (6,388 ft)
- Typical time
- 6 hr 2 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About A04 - Pontetto - Cappella della Croce
A04 - Pontetto - Cappella della Croce is a 14.9 km hiking route in Piedmont, Italy. It climbs roughly 1,947 m (6,388 ft) along the way. Most people take around 6 hr 2 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It rewards preparation. Strong legs, an early start and a weather window all make a large difference here.
The high meadows are grazed in summer, so expect livestock and the occasional working farm. The higher sections open out completely, with ridgelines stacking into the distance on clear days. The lookout is the payoff, and it arrives early enough that you can linger.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
Summer here is hot and exposed, so the sensible season runs from autumn through to spring.
In short, A04 - Pontetto - Cappella della Croce suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Hard14.9 km1,947 m
Numbered marks every 5 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Mountain
- Alpine meadow
- Panoramic viewpoint
- Waymarked route
- Waymarked and signposted
- Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent
Know before you go
- Best season
- October to May
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 79/100
- Adventure
- 70/100
- Difficulty
- 83/100
- Accessibility
- 33/100
- Family
- 18/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
- Aim for october to may for the most reliable conditions.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
Safety
Emergency services in Italy are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Trekking poles for the descent
- Offline map and compass
- Head torch and spare battery
- Extra warm layer
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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