Lago Nero – Maira valley

We cross the wooden bridge over the torrent and turn right (south) into the larch woods. A little further on, the cart track climbs along stunning hairpin bends under the slopes of Mount Bert (2393 m), following a long traverse taking us to the scenic Grangia Culausa (1932 m).

The road ends here, yet we can take a track upstream of the Grange that after a small clearing slips into a larch wood. Moving further up, the gully on our right has a beautiful waterfall among the rocks flowing from the small Meja lake.

On reaching an altitude of about 2030 m, we come to the crossroads for Lago Nero (signpost). Climbing steeply to the left, shortly above we reach and pass by a handful of ruins. We can stop and contemplate the green Gardetta plateau and the imposing mount Cassorso (2776 m) behind us.

Climbing between the rhododendrons, we at last reach the highest point of the itinerary on an unnamed green peak (2292 m) with a tiny and evocative pool.

At this point, we descend gently in the direction of Lago Nero (2246 m) and its intense green water, awaiting us in a splendid valley a little lower down. The lake is surrounded by grassy banks, larch trees and stony terrain. This location is utterly delightful and perfect for a relaxing break.

The return trip starts on the side of the emissary where the path that climbs the north bank for a few metres up to a small plateau between the larches. We pass by several cliffs at the feet of Mount Bert to reach the scenic Grangia Chiacarloso (2080 m) lower down.

We then move down along the vehicle track leading to the mountain pasture and after six hundred metres join the main gravel road on the return route from the longer tour of Rocca la Meja.

We then turn left and walk patiently downhill (about one hour) reaching, after a couple of kilometres, Grangia Colombero sottano (1698 m).

After crossing the bridge over the Valletta torrent, a long traverse across the slopes of Mount Baret takes us back to Grangia Selvest and the parking area to bring this delightful circuit to an end. It is also suitable for families with children aged 6 and over.