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 lot 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 stools 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 attaches 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. Continue along the vertical path with some overhanging and tiring sections for the arms. This first vertical wall is separated with a diagonal traverse with brackets for the feet and then the vertical ascent is resumed. The route is obligatory and the succession of brackets is faithfully followed. You reach the top of this long wall and you are near the first escape route to the left.

To reach the second stretch of the ferrata, go along a short stretch of path and attach a wall always with overhanging sections that rise slightly uphill to get around an exposed edge. Once the edge is finished, go up again a few meters vertically and you come to 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 via ferrata. A vertical wall is started for about twenty meters and then a diagonal uphill stretch is undertaken that is tiring and athletic. Climb up vertically until you reach the top of a rocky pulpit which, once crossed, descends again on the opposite side. You then come to an escape route and with a short path we reach the Tibetan bridge that indicates the fourth stretch of ferrata.

The suspension bridge is long and swinging. The bridge ends and with a path you 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. Go up a vertical wall by attaching an edge. At the end of the corner, it turns slightly to the right in a demanding crossbar and then vertically rejoins near the end of the via ferrata. The last stretch of aided path now free of difficulties, if not the accumulated fatigue, and you are at the top near the summit cross (2h 15 'from the start - 2h 30' from the parking lot).

Descent:

Do not remove the harness at the end of the via ferrata as there are some aided sections downhill. From the cross there is an excellently marked path 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 different types of escape that can be met by those who have embarked on the path not feeling able to complete it.

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.