Via Ferrata Camoglieres

Introduction:

The Camoglieres Ferrata is a via ferrata designed in French style which extends near the homonymous hamlet. It is an athletic, demanding via ferrata characterized by overhanging sections, exposure and many metal brackets. It is recommended for those who want to test themselves not necessarily looking for climbing.

Starting location:

The starting point of the itinerary is the small hamlet of Camoglieres in the municipality of Macra in the province of Cuneo. To reach the village, take the SP 422 which goes from Cuneo to Caraglio and Dronero. Shortly after the hamlet of Lottullo on the provincial road we reach a crossroads where we will go to the right following the signs for Camoglieres - Via Ferrata.

Directions for Google Maps available here.

Approach:

From the parking area you see on our right the bastion on which the via Ferrata di Camoglieres extends. Leaving the car at the car park we continue on the paved road towards the end of the built-up area where on the right a well-marked path with signs and yellow signs leads us to the start of the via ferrata (15' from the parking lot).

Via Ferrata:

Like many other ferratas in the Cuneo area, the Camoglieres Ferrata also makes extensive use of brackets and metal brackets for progression. At the beginning of the route, in fact, it starts with a series of brackets that support the progression both for the feet and for the hands (the latter positioned vertically). It immediately attacks a wall a wall that for the first few meters looks like a short dihedral that offers grips for hands and feet - if necessary - on the right side. Proceed with a traverse to the left, then vertically with some overhanging passages rather tiring for the arms. This first wall is vertical with in between a a diagonal traverse with brackets for the feet then you proceed the vertical climb. The path is obliged and follows the coming brackets. You reach the top of this long wall and you are near the first escape route to the left.

In order to reach the second section of the ferrata you proceed in a short path then begin a wall always with overhanging sections which proceeds slightly diagonally untill you come around an exposed edge. Ended the edge Yes climb another few meters in vertical and then you reach a a rocky pulpit that wanders around for more to go up it with a short stretched path. Go up one last supported vertical wall and finish the second section of the ferrata.

Take the path again and descend slightly into a wood that soon leads to the third section of the ferrata. You face a vertical wall with some overhanging passages for about 20 meters then you undertake a diagonal traverse uphill rather tiring and physical. You proceed vertically in strong exposure until you reach the lower section of a rocky roof which we pass on the side with a exposed and exciting edge. After a short traverse we conclude the third section leading us to a path where see in distance the long suspended bridge.

We reach the forth section which is the least challenging of the route. We climb some aided rocks leaving us under another vertical wall. Compared to the previous ones there are no overhanging sections and, after about 20 meters vertical, we bend to the right. We reach a rocky pulpit which we initially climb. Passed it we downclimb it on the opposite side. We reach then a escape route and with a short path we reach the suspended bridge which means the end of the forth section of this via ferrata. The suspended bridge is long and swinging.

We end the bridge and with the path we reach the last wall. Between the bridge and the last wall there are two escape routes: one for the return and one for reaching the summit without the last stretch of via ferrata. The last stretch is difficult and demanding from a visual point of view. After a short ledge, we climb a vertical wall facing an edge. Completed the edge, we bend slightly to the right in a challenging traverse and then we proceed in vertical in strong exposure soon at the end of the route. We climb the ultimi impegnativi metri prima che le difficoltà terminino. L'ultimo tratto di sentiero attrezzato oramai privo di difficoltà, se non la fatica accumulata, e si termina la via ferrata in cima in prossimità della croce di vetta (2h 15' dall'attacco - 2h 30' dal parcheggio).

Descent:

Do not remove the harness at the end of the via ferrata as there are aided section downhill. From cross there is a path clearly marked with yellow signs that in about 40 'brings us to the car (3h 15' total).

Notes:

The Camoglieres Ferrata is an athletic, demanding and tiring ferrata. The technical difficulties, intended as climbing, are greatly reduced as the entire route is abundantly aided with brackets and sails. However, it should not be underestimated either because of physical commitment or exposure. There are many escape routes that can be met by those who have embarked on the path not feeling able to complete it. It is forbidden to undertake the via ferrata downhill.

Opportunities:

The Camoglieres Ferrata is geographically close to the Ferrata degli Alpini with Oronaye and to the Via Ferrata Chiaronto. However, being the first a long itinerary and the second an athletic itinerary, it is difficult to get married and it is difficult to combine them on the same day. Definitely recommended to combine them in adjacent days. Among the others via ferrate in the province of Cuneo which we suggest to deepen there are also the Ferrata to the Rocca dei Corvi, the Ferrata in Rocca Senghi and the recent Via Ferrata of the BEC Valletta in Limone Piemonte. Wanting to move to the south instead you can reach the beautiful Via Ferrata of the Artists in the province of Savona.