Ring on the Gardetta plateau from Demonte

The tour I propose is a circular tour across the Gardetta plateau, crossed in its entirety by former military dirt roads, perfectly maintained, which over time have become a true paradise for cyclists and hikers.

This route is suitable for both gravel and mountain bikes and requires a good level of training as there are some very steep points and the gravel surface is not always smooth.

The starting point is Demonte, one of the Occitan municipalities in Piedmont, known among those who cycle as the starting point of one of the three slopes of the Fauniera hill.

Leaving Demonte behind you, follow the track that leads you along a secondary road that runs along the course of the Stura di Demonte river. The uphill slight slope soon intersects with what the locals call "la Militare", a traffic-free road that leads you to Pietraporzio where the ascent to the Guia hill will begin.

The climb to the Guia hill is quite demanding in some sections, both in terms of altitude (some climbs are breathtaking) and due to the surface which is not always smooth; but once you reach the top, trust me, the view of Rocca la Meja will repay you for the effort.

You are on the Gardetta plateau and the majestic mountains that surround you, made up of dolomite and limestone, are a bit reminiscent of the Dolomites; travel along the former dirt military road until the intersection with Via Val d'Arma, where a series of panoramic curves over the Arma valley await you.

Now the end of the tour is near, why not treat yourself to a well-deserved stop, perhaps with lunch, at the Carbonetto refuge? Here, courtesy and quality are a certainty!