Montaldo Cosola: Hiking, Cycling and Getting There

When planning a stay in Montaldo Cosola, hiking and cycling routes can be distinguished by their specific features. One stage of the Cammino PiemonteSud lists its distance and approximate duration; other hiking trails pass viewpoints, rivers, and striking landscapes. The Via dei Campioni is a cycling route to Rifugio Montaldo di Cosola. If you are looking for an overnight stay, you can first consider which type of route and timeframe fit your travel plans.

Hiking: Stages and Waypoints

The Sentiero Cosola–Daglio crosses the bridge over the Rio Tovaglia at an elevation of 890 metres. Near the Fontana della Gallina, the trail passes at 1,235 metres. At the junction on Monte Porreio, at 1,276 metres, there is a viewpoint overlooking Val Borbera and the neighbouring valleys. The route therefore offers several specific reference points, including a river crossing and a viewpoint.

The second stage of the Cammino PiemonteSud begins in Montaldo di Cosola. It is 11.5 kilometres long, takes approximately five hours and 40 minutes, and is rated “Escursionistico” (hiking). From Montaldo di Cosola, the stage follows CAI Trail 229 to the bridge over the Rio Tovaglia at 867 metres. After the Fontana della Gallina, it enters the Area contigua dell’Alta Val Borbera and follows the Zone Speciale di Conservazione (ZSC) IT1180011 – Massiccio dell’Antola, Monte Carmo, Monte Legnà for a considerable distance. The stated distance and duration provide a concrete guide for planning the time needed for this stage; the waypoints mentioned provide further orientation along the route.

Another route, the Sentiero Montaldo di Cosola–Capanne di Cosola, passes the church of Santa Maria Assunta after leaving Montaldo di Cosola. It reaches a sports centre with a football pitch and swimming pool and offers views of Alta Val Borbera. The swimming pool attracts many tourists during the summer season. If you would like to consider a cultural waypoint as well as the landscape when choosing a route, the church of Santa Maria Assunta is a prominent landmark along the way.

The Da Pizzo a Montaldo di Cosola route alternates between wooded areas and meadows until it reaches the Rio degli Orti, which must be crossed. It passes through Aie di Cosola and then ends in Montaldo di Cosola at 920 metres. Unlike the routes with named viewpoints, this route is characterised by the change between woodland and meadows and the river crossing.

Planning Cycling and Your Journey

The first stage of the Via dei Campioni runs from Costa Vescovato to Rifugio Montaldo di Cosola. The cycling route is 67.80 kilometres long, reaches a maximum elevation of 1,659 metres, and is rated “Easy”. The refuge is at the end of the stage, at 930 metres. When planning your rides, you can consider the distance, maximum elevation, and rating together; as a cycling route, this stage is clearly distinct from the hiking trails described above.

From Tortona, you can reach Montaldo di Cosola by car via the A26 and A7 to the Vignole Borbera exit, then along the SP 140. Check road conditions before setting off. For public transport, the service operated by Autolinee Val Borbera first takes you to Cabella Ligure, followed by a bus on the line to Dova Inferiore. From there, continue on foot for approximately two kilometres. Check current timetables before travelling so you can factor the transfers and the final walk into your plans.

There are several kinds of travel plans to consider when choosing a hotel: a hiking stage with a stated duration, trails featuring viewpoints and landscape highlights, or the longer cycling route. You can also plan your journey using the car and public transport connections described above.

Discover more destinations: Sale, Pozzolo Formigaro, Momperone, Odalengo Piccolo, Terranova, Acqui Terme, Occimiano, Valenza

For the overview of the wider area: Alessandria.