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Petit Tour du Bric de Rubren

ExpertPiedmont · Italy

GPX
Distance
51.5 km (32.0 mi)
Elevation gain
1,134 m (3,720 ft)
Typical time
13 hr
Difficulty
Expert
Route type
Loop
Highest point
Not recorded

About Petit Tour du Bric de Rubren

Petit Tour du Bric de Rubren is a 51.5 km hiking route in Piedmont, Italy. It climbs roughly 1,134 m (3,720 ft) along the way. Most people take around 2 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a committing route for experienced hikers only, with serious ascent and long stretches far from help.

The character of the walk comes from the landscape it crosses rather than a single headline sight, which is exactly why it stays quiet even in high season.

It is a 51.5 km loop, so you finish where you started and never repeat a section. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Summer here is hot and exposed, so the sensible season runs from autumn through to spring.

In short, Petit Tour du Bric de Rubren suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Expert51.5 km1,134 m

Numbered marks every 10 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. 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 return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.

Highlights

  • Circular route, no backtracking
  • Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season
October to May
Waymarked
Not consistently
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
34/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
59/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
100/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
13/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
7/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
47/100

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.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
  • 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
  • Real food, not just snacks
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Petit Tour du Bric de Rubren

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Tour du Bric de Rubren

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Distance
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/ 37.4 mi
Elevation gain
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Typical duration
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/ 13.5 mi
Elevation gain
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/ 1.1 mi
Elevation gain
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Typical duration
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