The Marguareis Tour revolves around Punta Marguareis, which, at 2,651 metres (8,697 ft) above sea level, is the highest mountain in the Ligurian Alps. The route is split into five stages, but you can adjust it as you wish for example, by completing it in three days. I recommend taking your time to enjoy every single path though.

The best time to walk this route is from June to September when the huts are open. Each stage begins and ends in an alpine hut.

You’ll be completely immersed in the Marguareis Natural Park, created in 1978 to protect the fauna and flora and conserve biodiversity. This area stretches between the Tanaro and Pesio valleys. In 2016, it was incorporated into the Maritime Alps Protected Areas Management Authority. This trek also takes you through areas outside the park, but the rules towards your surroundings are the same.

This region is much loved and coveted by speleologists as, being karstic, it has many caves and ravines.The limestone rock makes the reliefs more gentle and creates large tunnels underground, where water flows. Compared to neighbouring parks, there are very few lakes as the water is absorbed and hidden in large underground reservoirs, some of which overflow in spring and create wonderful waters.

As you walk along the paths, you’ll notice the huge variety of flowers, each unique and fascinating. The climate is ideal for diverse species to thrive. Between the sea and the highest mountains in the south–western alps, you’ll walk through beautiful forests of silver fir, beech, larch and mountain pine.

Roe deer, wolves, chamois and ibex along with reptiles, amphibians and diverse bird species live here. It won't be difficult for you to come across some of them, but observe without bothering them.

All that remains is to prepare your rucksack, with breathable, technical clothing, some warmer clothes, a raincoat, water bottle, a few energy bars, a pair of sturdy boots and poles. You can ask the mountain hut keepers to prepare a packed lunch for the following day for a small additional fee.

Camping is forbidden in the Marguareis Nature Park outside the official areas, but you can set up your tent or bivvy above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise.

You have to travel by car to reach this route as public transport doesn’t connect to the nearest train stations. From Turin, exit at the Mondovì tollgate and follow the signs for Cuneo, then for Chiusa di Pesio. From Chiusa di Pesio, take the road that leads to Rifugio Pian delle Gorre, where you’ll find a car park (paid in summer). The Marguareis Tour starts from there. For further information on shuttle bus connections to the park, please contact the Tourist Office in Chiusa Pesio or the Marguareis Natural Park offices: parcomarguareis.it

Enjoy your walk!