SELF GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY
Val Maira
Walk the mountain trails of Italy's Western Alps, exploring high lakes, traditional Occitan villages and quiet valleys beneath rugged peaks.
Walk Information
- Difficulty
- Moderate to Challenging
- Distance
- 42.9 to 42.9 miles
- Nights
- 7 to 7 Nights
- Location
- North West Italy
- Season
- Jun to Oct
- Price from
- £1345
High Mountain Lakes, Rocky Peaks and Historic Villages
- Colle Sarasin
- Climb above Ussolo for far-reaching views across the surrounding Alpine valleys.
- Rocca Provenzale
- Follow mountain paths beneath this distinctive rock formation near the village of Chiappera.
- Lago Apzoi
- Discover a high mountain lake and remnants of old border fortifications.
- Lago Nero
- Walk through larch woodland and alpine pastures beneath the peaks of Rocca la Meja.
- Monviso Views
- Choose a higher route from Campiglione for views towards this prominent Alpine peak.
- Marmora's Historic Hamlets
- Follow old mule tracks between stone villages, frescoed chapels and traditional mountain houses.
Key Walk Features
Mountain Walking in the Western Alps
Val Maira is for walkers who enjoy a proper day in the mountains, with time to absorb the surroundings. In this quieter corner of the Western Alps, paths climb through larch woodland and pastures towards rocky ridges, mountain lakes and views of Monviso.
Instead of following one continuous trail, you explore the valley on six different walks. Some lead high above the villages; others follow gentler slopes and old tracks. There are alternative routes on two days, allowing you to choose between different levels of ascent and terrain.
The variety is part of the appeal: a demanding climb one day, a circuit around a lake the next, and time afterwards to enjoy the quiet of a mountain village. You come away with a broader sense of Val Maira than a single crossing would give.
Walking Val Maira
Walking in Val Maira takes you through varied Alpine terrain, with old mule tracks, forest paths and open mountain slopes linking the valley's villages and high lakes. Around San Michele di Prazzo, trails cross meadows and wooded hillsides before climbing towards mountain passes with far-reaching views.
Higher in the valley, the scenery becomes more rugged. Rocky paths wind beneath the distinctive Rocca Provenzale, while trails lead towards Lago Apzoi and the remains of military fortifications near the French border. Around Lago Nero, larch woodland gives way to alpine pastures, with views towards Rocca la Meja and Monviso.
The lower slopes around Marmora offer a gentler contrast, with ancient mule tracks winding between small mountain hamlets and through woodland.
Expect sustained ascents and descents, occasionally rocky ground and exposed high-level sections. Graded Moderate to Challenging, this is rewarding mountain walking for those comfortable with longer climbs and varied terrain.
Occitan Villages Mountain Chapels
Val Maira's Occitan heritage reflects its position close to the French border, with a distinct local culture visible in its villages, churches and food.
Around Marmora, old mule tracks link hamlets including San Sebastiano, Tolosano and Reinero. Their small chapels contain frescoes by local painters such as Giovanni Baleison and Giors Boneto.
Towards Ussolo, abandoned granges recall an older way of farming, when families stored grain on the higher slopes. Traditional stone houses and narrow village lanes offer further glimpses of mountain life.
Walking these ancient paths reveals the close connection between Val Maira's landscape, history and communities.
Our Val Maira Itineraries
Walking Val Maira
49 miles (78.9 km)7 Nights Moderate to Challenging
ITA-PVM1
From £1,345 Per Person
Key Information
- 7 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation
- 7 dinners
- 6 packed lunches
- Luggage transfers
- Transfers as specified in the programme, including:
- Collection from Prazzo Inferiore bus stop on arrival, if travelling by bus
- Transfer from Marmora to Prazzo bus stop at the end of your walk
- Walk Pack, including route notes, mapping, pre-arrival and destination information
- Local map provided at your first accommodation
- Access to a travel app
Price Excludes
- Travel to Prazzo Inferiore bus stop at the start of your holiday and onward travel from Prazzo at the end
- Local tourist taxes, payable directly to your accommodation.
Customise your trip?
We can organise additional nights/rest days, as well as transport options. Please contact us to discuss how we can help you with your specific requirements.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
Val Maira Client Reviews
4.7/5 based on 6 reviews
"Personal, Knowledgeable & helpful"
"Very well organised well chosen accommodation and walks"
"We found the entire experience hassle-free and enjoyable. Nathan was quite helpful and responsive to questions/requests."
"Beautiful trails, challenging hike, delicious food, fun lodging!"
"Excellent service. Quality accommodations and attention to details."
"Celtic Trails are a professional service - engaging team who helped us navigate through the different options, with a deep knowledge of their offering. Customer service was excellent - informative, friendly, knowledgeable and always prompt."
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Customise your trip?
We can organise additional nights/rest days, as well as transport options. Please contact us to discuss how we can help you with your specific requirements.
Customise your trip?
We can organise additional nights/rest days, as well as transport options. Please contact us to discuss how we can help you with your specific requirements.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
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