Montaldo Cosola – Trails, Nature and How to Get There in the Val Borbera

Montaldo Cosola is an appealing destination if you would like to experience mountain landscapes along trails and stages. When planning a stay at a hotel or other accommodation, the documented hiking and cycling routes can help define your focus: they range from a hiking stage to an extensive road cycling route and pass through natural areas, high-altitude landscapes and viewpoints.

Hiking between the Rio Tovaglia and the Alta Val Borbera

Stage 2 of the Cammino PiemonteSud begins in Montaldo di Cosola. It is 11.5 km long, takes approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes, and is classified as “Escursionistico”. From Montaldo di Cosola, it follows CAI Trail 229 to the bridge over the Rio Tovaglia at an altitude of 867 m. This provides a concrete basis for planning a hike in terms of distance, approximate time required and difficulty.

After the Fontana della Gallina, the stage enters the Area contigua dell’Alta Val Borbera and runs for a considerable distance along the Zona Speciale di Conservazione (ZSC) IT1180011 – Massiccio dell’Antola, Monte Carmo, Monte Legnà. The Sentiero Cosola–Daglio crosses the bridge over the Rio Tovaglia at 890 m and passes near the Fontana della Gallina at an altitude of 1,235 m. At the junction on Monte Porreio, at 1,276 m, there is a viewpoint overlooking the Val Borbera and the adjoining valleys.

A Cycling Route Ending at the Rifugio

A stage also leads to Montaldo di Cosola by bicycle: the first stage of the Via dei Campioni runs from Costa Vescovato to the Rifugio Montaldo di Cosola. The road cycling route is 67.80 km long, reaches a maximum altitude of 1,659 m and is classified as “Easy”. It ends at the Rifugio Montaldo di Cosola at an altitude of 930 m. The different distances of the hiking and cycling options can help you determine your preferred travel pace.

Getting There by Road or Public Transport

From Tortona, you can reach Montaldo di Cosola by car via the A26 and A7 motorways, taking the Vignole Borbera exit and then continuing on the SP 140. Public transport is provided by the Autolinee Val Borbera service to Cabella Ligure, followed by the route to Dova Inferiore and then an approximately 2 km walk. Anyone planning a stay at a hotel or other accommodation can take both travel options into account, along with a focus on hiking or cycling.

Church, Sports Centre and Scenic Views

After leaving Montaldo di Cosola, the Sentiero Montaldo di Cosola–Capanne di Cosola passes the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. It then reaches a sports centre with a football pitch and swimming pool; the swimming pool attracts numerous tourists during the summer season. The same trail also offers views of the Alta Val Borbera.

The Da Pizzo a Montaldo di Cosola route alternates between wooded areas and meadows. The watercourse must be crossed as far as the Rio degli Orti. It then continues via Aie di Cosola and ends in Montaldo di Cosola at an altitude of 920 m. This creates a landscape section for route selection featuring woodland, meadows, a water crossing and a high-altitude destination.

Historic Character of the Village

Montaldo di Cosola belongs to category A1 of historic centres and core settlements characterised by their historical, artistic and ecological features. This classification adds a cultural and historical dimension to the trails, viewpoints and landscapes, making the village interesting for a trip that combines nature experiences with local character.

More Destinations

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For the higher-level travel overview: Alessandria.