Anello Orobico del Madonnino discesa Cernello (2 giorni)

Epic tour of those that remain in the heart. 3200 meters of elevation gain for 50 km. In the original version I did the full tour in 12 hours but I suggest doing it more calmly enjoying the landscapes and stopping to sleep at the Gemelli refuge. In this version, you descend from the Cernello, Very technical and at times discontinuous descent, for a more enjoyable version I suggest descending from the Cardeto valley by this track

DAY 1

Start from Valgoglio in Colarete locality from convenient parking beside the church, continue on asphalt road to Bani (water) from which we will descend by an easy trail. We continue on the comfortable road (water) and admiring the magnificent east face of the Vaccaro, and of the Arera we pass by the beautiful small lake of Valcanale. Coming off the asphalt we continue on completely rideable cement road, but experience tells me not to dare and save my leg on the sections that are too steep. Arriving at the Alpecorte refuge (open year-round), we set off again at a good pace toward the Branchino pass. The climb up to the pass is completely rideable by emtb, while by mtb we do a good 70 percent

From the Branchino hut, we stop for a moment to admire the beautiful valley and continue past Branchino Lake and then stop at the pass (1820 meters) to put on the protections. Branchino - Baite di Mezzeno descent, is the classic alpine trail diff S2+/S3 with fast sections and several very interesting passages.

At Baite di Mezzeno (1600 meters, water) we climb for about 500 meters with the bike on our shoulders up to Mezzeno Pass (2142 meters) from which we can admire the fantastic valley of Roncobello from which Menna stands out. Descent Punta di Mezzeno - Rifugio Gemelli Descent S4 very technical, arrived at the big stone I suggest to keep the right to avoid wedging in the channels of the left variant. During the descent Lake Gemelli opens before us. At Gemelli (1950 meters, water) we will have covered about 1900 meters of elevation gain (1200 meters pedaled, 500 meters backpacking and 200 pushing). For those who have never visited the area, it is possible to visit all 5 lakes, climbing in about 100 pedalable meters to Lake Colombo and then descending to Lake Becco, Lake Marcio, Lake Pian delle Casere, and then back to the Gemelli hut in about 150 meters in pedalable sections

DAY 2

From the Gemelli refuge we descend directly to Lake Pian delle casere, continue from the very scenic flat trail (but with many rocks) beside Lake Marcio. We descend from rocky trail S3 and then deviate to CAI213 trail, this is a beautiful S1/S2 trail with beautiful views, protected but exposed, so maximum caution! Arrived at Sardegnana lake (1750 meters) we shoulder the bike to Sardegnana pass (1880 meters). We descend the first 30 meters of the trail on foot (exposed and technical) and then continue on beautiful traverse with many raises.

We connect to the cemented road and passing by the side of Lake Fegabolgia we continue on a good pedal to the Calvi refuge (2000 meters). From the refuge we continue to the Portula pass (2273 meters) in about 300 meters shoulder/push. From the pass the views are fantastic! Now last 220 meters on shoulder to reach the summit of Madonnino (2502 meters). Top 360° panorama

Descent

From Madonnino to 1550 meters altitude is a medium S4 with sections that are not always rideable. (Alternatively, you can follow this trail). The first 200 meters are steep S3/S4 almost completely doable in the saddle, then alternating between otherwise rideable and S4 sections. Arriving on the carrale at an elevation of 1550 meters we continue (water) freeriding through the forest, following parallel to the road. We keep right at the fork at elevation 1480 meters to descend a beautiful S2 trail all roots. We close the tour with 400 meters of (unfortunately uninteresting) mule tracks.

Suggestions and variations

From the twins it is possible to descend from 212 (this trail) and look for lodging in Branzi, the next day we will climb to Calvi cutting all the very scenic 213 traverse. It is possible to climb all the way up to below Tenda Devil's Peak or up to Val Sambuzza (this track), or add another day and climb from one of the other tracks in the area (such as Val Cervia pass, this track)

Trail style: all mountain

Personal rating: views 10/10; descents 8/10

MTB: Yes

EMTB: Not recommended

Duration about 16-20h (by mtb)

Portage: 1200m

Difficulty ascent: very challenging in places

Difficulty descent: P.Branchino 350m S2 / P.Mezzeno 250m S4 / Colombo 200m S2 / P.Sardegnana 150m S2+ / Madonnino 1000m S4 / Trail Radici 300m S2 / Final mule track 400m S1

Exposed: A few protected sections on the traverse 213

Draining: YES

Water points: See description