The main GR20 trail takes a relatively easy line to the Bocca Alle Porte. This misses the jewels of the day's mountains - the green lakes that reflect the rock spires above. A road less travelled can be taken by returning along the previous day's trail for 500 metres before continuing on an indistinct trail through the scrub to reach the Lac de Goria - a stunning Alpine lake ignored by most.
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Lac de Goria |
The way continues through scrub and scree on a rising traverse to the Breche de Goria. This is very indistinct in parts and finishes in a loose couloir to the pass. The peak of Lombarduccio lies just above. Once the breche is crossed (easy scrambling), a mainly grassy slope leads to the summit with a clear view of the connecting ridge with the next peak, Capitello and the Lac de Capitello below.
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Breche de Goria |
The ridge looks challenging but is much easier than it appears. Go down the same way to the col and scramble up the crest of the ridge or slightly to its right until the ridge eases, allowing the summit of Capitello to be gained without further difficulty. Return the same way to the col.
There is a faint track on the far side of the col, but the way down is broken and vegetated. Descend directly into the couloir and follow it until you can traverse over to the major trail from the Restonica Valley. Here you will join lots of people - climbers on their way to scaling the immense rock walls and walkers visiting the Lac De Capitello. Stand in awe with them as you gaze at the towering spires and green waters.
The jewel of the Lac de Capitello |
Continue up to the ridge, where the GR20 is rejoined. Follow it to the Bocca Muzella, where it is possible to leave your pack in order to make an out-and-back ascent of Monte Rotondo. This route is very rough and loose but for the connoisseurs of such things it makes a wild and worthwhile expedition. It is far more usual to complete an ascent from the Refuge de Petra Piana, but this involves a significant descent to the hut. In order to avoid losing height, a small trail can be followed across the scree toward A Maniccia. Where this flattens out, descend into the shallow valley (trackless) and re-ascend the other side. A small peak (Point 2448) bounds the Southeast ridge of A Maniccia. Go to the col below this and descend the extremely loose couloir on the far side to the lake. Take care! At the lake, the normal route to Monte Rotondo is joined. It traverses upwards across the scree then follows the ridge with easy scrambling. If you've left your sack at the Bocca Muzella, you'll need to return the same way. Otherwise you can follow a small trail directly to the Petra Piana Refuge from the lake.
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Lavu Bellebone beneath Monte Rotondo |
Once at the Petra Piana Refuge, continue on the GR20 Alpine Variant over a pleasant whaleback ridge to the Refuge de L'Onda.
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On the GR20 Alpine Variant looking back to Monte Rotondo |