Are you ready for another exciting adventure with ‘camminandoinoltrepo’? This time, the social page dedicated to promoting excursions in the Oltrepò Pavese area will take us to discover one of the most evocative and panoramic places in the area: Mount Chiappo, a crossroads of ridges and the protagonist of a path of rare beauty. Prepare to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, among green valleys, imposing mountains and, on clear days, the possibility of glimpsing even the Ligurian Sea.
The excursion to Monte Chiappo proposed by ‘camminandoinoltrepo’ covers a distance of 9.3 kilometres, lasting about 2 hours and 10 minutes. The route alternates between stretches of asphalt road, which account for 54% of the total, and unpaved stretches, which cover the remaining 46%. The starting and finishing point is located at the historic Albergo di Pian dell‘Armà, a symbolic place for hikers in the area. This route is not only a physical excursion, but also a journey into the history and culture of these lands, where every step tells of ancient trade routes, travellers‘ shelters and local legends.
The excursion begins at the historic Albergo di Pian dell‘Armà, a reference point for hikers for decades. After being well prepared, we head towards the Passo del Giovà, one of the landmarks of the Oltrepò. The pass is not only a natural crossroads between the valleys, but also a meeting point between the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna.
When we reach the small bridge on Provincial Road 90, we encounter signs for the famous ‘Via del Sale’, an ancient trade route that connected the Po Valley with the sea. We turn right and follow the wide path that will lead us straight to the summit of Mount Chiappo.
The ascent to Monte Chiappo is gentle and pleasant, along a well-trodden path that winds through meadows and woods. During the walk, we are accompanied by the silence of nature and fresh mountain air, elements that make this place an oasis of peace for those seeking to escape the chaos of everyday life.
Before reaching the summit, we stop at the Rifugio Monte Chiappo, a strategic point to rest and admire the already breathtaking views. But that‘s not all: a little higher up stands the statue dedicated to St Joseph, where we can finally enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. From this point, your gaze wanders over the Alpine arc and the peaks of the Oltrepò, including Monte Ebro, Monte Giarolo, Monte Lesima and Monte Antola. The valleys below - the Val Staffora, Val Curone, Val Boreca and Val Borbera - stretch out like a mosaic of greens and browns, while on clear days the Ligurian Sea appears on the horizon as a deep blue strip.
After a well-deserved stop on the summit of Monte Chiappo, we resume our walk in the direction of Capanne di Cosola, an ancient mountain village that evokes the alpine tradition of this area. The route takes us down along the ridge of Costa Montana Rusbone, a panoramic path that, thanks to CAI (Italian Alpine Club) signpost No. 200, allows us to orient ourselves without difficulty.
We continue along the path until we reach the asphalt road, where we make a short diversions to visit the Mirà spring. This place, known for its fresh and pure waters, is an excellent opportunity to refresh oneself and enjoy a moment of tranquillity in the midst of nature.
Once back on the main road, we continue in the direction of the Passo del Giovà, first passing through Capannette di Pej, where there is the hotel of the same name and the charming Cappella degli Alpini (Alpine chapel). This place is a reference point for many hikers, and the chapel is a reminder of the deep bond between the Alpine soldiers and these mountains.
Arriving at the Giovà Pass, the panorama changes again. Here we find ourselves in front of the ruins of an old hotel, a testimony to the glorious past of these mountain resorts. From here, we turn left towards Pian del Poggio, where, skirting the meadow, we head towards one of the most fascinating attractions of the route: the sources of the Staffora stream.
The Staffora torrent springs from the slopes of Monte Chiappo, in a magical place known as the Fountain of San Giacomo, just above Pian del Poggio. But it is not the only one: not far away, near the pylons of the chairlift that connects Pian del Poggio to Monte Chiappo, we find the Fontana del Convento, a mountain spring located at a high altitude, which gives us fresh, regenerating water.
By now our route comes to an end. Descending again towards the provincial road, we follow the direction that takes us back to our starting point, the car park of the Albergo di Pian dell‘Armà. Our walk ends here, but the memory of this adventure will stay with us for a long time: the views, the paths, the peace of the mountains and the wild beauty of Monte Chiappo have given us an unforgettable experience.
Happy hiking!
