Monte Bertrand - Cima Marguareis

The Alta Val Tanaro known mostly for the overused Via del Sale (more gravel than mtb) actually offers a multitude of routes of all kinds in respectable alpine environments with sea views, Corsica and crazy blooms in the months of June/July, so there is an urgent need to fill this void!

This cycloalpine itinerary combines an almost totally cyclable (but intense) ascent of Mount Bertand to Cima Marguareis with a descent that I consider perhaps the most beautiful in the entire Tanaro Valley.

From Upega on asphalt then dirt road to the Limone-Monesi

The climb to Colla Rossa

The ascent to Colla Rossa

The ridge leading to the summit of Bertrand at 2482 m

The challenging but spectacular climb below Pertegà

The portage along the ridge above Passo della Croce

The summit of Cima Marguareis (2651 m)

Descent below Croce Pass

In the distance the Valle dei Maestri where you descend on the magnificent trail to Carnino

Ascent about 600 m of portage

Difficulty descent: S3/S4