How to get by car to Barbara Lowrie Refuge in Piedmont?
Italy, europe
9.5 km
1,753 m
hard
Year-round
# Rifugio Barbara Lowrie
Tucked away in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, near the French border, sits Rifugio Barbara Lowrie at a breathtaking 1,753m (5,751ft) elevation. This high mountain refuge is nestled in the Val Pellice, surrounded by larch woods and rolling pastures, with the impressive peaks of Monte Manzol and Monte Granero standing guard overhead.
Here's the thing about getting there: the road is paved, but don't expect a smooth cruise. It's narrow, rough around the edges, and seriously steep—we're talking a 14.7% maximum gradient in some sections that'll definitely get your heart pumping. In fact, every September, cyclists take on this exact route for the Cronoscalata, a legendary cycle race that's considered one of Italy's toughest climbs. Yeah, it's that intense.
This is an old military road starting from Perlà, stretching 9.5 km (5.90 miles) uphill with a grueling 1,042m elevation gain and an average gradient of 10.96%. Sitting high in the Cottian Alps—that stunning southwestern section of the Alps—the road becomes impassable come winter, so you'll want to time your visit accordingly.
If you're up for a challenging drive through dramatic alpine scenery, this road delivers in spades.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Barbara Lowrie Refuge in Piedmont? is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.7381, 14.0114
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,753 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.7381, 14.0114
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