Via Alpina Blue D45 Rifugio Barbara Lowrie - Pian del Re
The place
The first part of the route, along the valley floor, follows the paved road to Ronco Canavese, then a comfortable path climbs through alpine pastures to the Crest pass. The descent follows steep grassy paths towards the Prascondù sanctuary, located near the settlement of Talosio, ending on a paved road.
Why go
- **Ronco Canavese**: Starting point of the route, located on the valley floor. - **Bosco**: Hamlet reached after leaving the main road for a paved road through the woods. - **Masonaie**: Stopover before the climb to the Ciavanis and Gioie alpine pastures. - **Crest pass**: The highest point of the route, offering a breathtaking view of the surroundings. - **Rocco alpine pasture**: First stage of the descent before entering a magnificent birch wood. - **Prascondù sanctuary**: Final destination, rich in history and spirituality.
Detailed route
1 - **Départ de Ronco Canavese** : Suivre la route goudronnée du fond de la vallée jusqu'au pont sur le Forzo. 2 - **Bosco** : Quitter la route principale pour rejoindre ce hameau ; continuer sur une route goudronnée à travers le bois. 3 - **Masonaie** : Transition vers un sentier agréable montant vers les alpages de Ciavanis et Gioie. 4 - **Contournement de la cime Rosta** : Sur des flancs herbeux raides, où le sentier peut être moins évident. 5 - **Col Crest** : Atteindre le sommet de l'itinéraire avant d'entamer la descente. 6 - **Alpage Rocco** : Première étape de la descente, suivie d'une entrée dans un bois de bouleaux. 7 - **Sanctuaire de Prascondù** : Point d'arrivée, suivant la route goudronnée vers la vallée, le vieux sentier vers Talosio étant devenu impraticable.
A bit of history
The Prascondù sanctuary, built at 1,320 m altitude around a small chapel dating from 1620, has undergone several reconstructions and extensions. It houses a precious 17th-century icon and is flanked by a small hospice for pilgrims.