Le Strade dei Forti - stage 7 from Fenestrelle to Pian dell'Alpe

The GPX track starts just before the square where you can take a beautiful path immersed in a pine forest, along which occasional hazel trees can also be found. This mule track is characterized by 26 hairpin bends, stone pavement, and retaining walls because it was built as a service road to transport materials for the construction of the Forte di Fenestrelle, which can be seen imposing throughout the ascent.

You climb through the forest until you glimpse the first walls of the Forte delle Valli, the tallest structure in the Forte di Fenestrelle complex. Follow the path that runs alongside the fortress walls, and through the trees you can already catch glimpses of the small village of Pequerel, recognizable even from afar by the characteristic inverted "V" avalanche barrier surrounding the settlement. Upon reaching the fork, leave the path to follow (on the left) the comfortable dirt road descending slightly with a view of Monte Pelvo.

The vegetation changes compared to the initial section; here you find white alders and larches and an undergrowth rich in raspberries, St. John's wort, wormwood, and other medicinal plants.

Arriving at the village of Puy, follow the trail markers crossing the village and continue following the signs to Pequerel. This section is a bit steeper, and in a short time you reach the spectacular village of Pequerel. There are fountains, murals, and a great view of the Forte delle Valli, left behind. For those interested, there is the possibility of a short detour to a panoramic point where a big bench has been placed. From Pequerel, you can decide to take the detour leading to Usseaux (Le Strade dei Forti - Stage 7a detour to Usseaux). Then, take the road at the exit of the village, which immediately becomes dirt and with 5 hairpin bends leads to the flat road equipped with information panels about the animal species inhabiting the Orsiera-Rocciavrè Park (Management Body of the Protected Areas of the Cottian Alps).

With a short asphalted stretch you reach the Forte di Serre Marie, at 1894 meters altitude. A little higher there is another fortification dating to the same period: the Forte Falouel, more commonly called "Il Dado," reachable by a short detour on a trail.

Then continue on the comfortable road running alongside the mountain, offering glimpses and panoramic views on the other side: the Andorno redoubt, Fenestrelle, and the Laux lake. When you reach a fork, take the asphalt road descending to the left to reach the Alpe Pintas Refreshment Point and, if you continue, you encounter The Frog Lake Refuge, the Pian dell'Alpe Agritourism, and in the center of the plateau the Pian dell'Alpe Campground.

Appropriate clothing and equipment are recommended.

Reach Pinerolo by following the A55 if coming from Turin, then follow the SP23 towards Sestriere.

Bus

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In Fenestrelle there is the possibility to park in the town or near the Fort.