Pontboset bridges and gorges trail

Access

After 150 metres from the motorway junction exit at Pont-Saint-Martin, turn left and take the Strada Statale in the direction of Aosta. At the first roundabout, take the second exit to continue on the . Continue for 2.2 km, passing through Donnas, until the next roundabout. At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on the . Continue for about 3 km until you reach another roundabout near the Fortress of Bard. Here, take the third exit and take the Strada Regionale in the direction of Valle di Champorcher. Continue for 6.2 km on , passing through Hône, until you reach Pontboset. In Pontboset, turn left onto the little municipal road and continue until you reach the 🅿️ car park in front of the town hall.

[0h18'] - [13,1km]
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The directions provided have been carefully checked as of the date the route was taken. However, it is highly recommended to check for any changes that may have occurred since then, especially regarding the route to the starting point. Before embarking on your journey, it is advisable to consult up-to-date navigation tools for accurate and up-to-date directions. We recommend the use of satellite navigation apps, such as Google Maps or Apple Maps, to ensure the most accurate and safe route.

Introduction

The 'Trail of Bridges and Ravines' in Pontboset is a fascinating hiking trail located in the Aosta Valley, known for its spectacular combination of natural landscapes and historic architectural works. This trail allows you to explore a series of ancient stone bridges that cross raging torrents and deep gorges, offering breathtaking views of gorges and waterfalls.

The route winds through the lush vegetation of the valley, crossing historic bridges such as the Ponte di Moretta and the Ponte di Trombette, which testify to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient builders. The "orridi," narrow, deep canyons carved by water erosion, are among the trail's main attractions, making the experience unique and unforgettable.

This itinerary, suitable also for the less experienced, offers not only an immersion in the region's unspoilt wilderness, but also a journey back in time through local traditions and history. The 'Trail of Bridges and Gorges' is therefore an unmissable excursion for those wishing to discover the hidden beauty of Pontboset and its valley.

Description

0h00' 0.00km \3/ From the car park, take a lane passing near the "Lou Créton di Lùi" hostelry and passing under an archway of the parish church before reaching the pretty central square of Pontboset. Continue straight ahead until you come to a blue signposting panel of the "Sentiero dei Ponti e degli Orridi" (bridges and ravines path). Turn left and downhill follow the signs for the "Sentiero dei Ponti e degli Orridi" (Bridges and ravines path) until you come to a signpost indicating the Balteo Path.

Go up the tarmac road as far as the hairpin bend and then follow the mule track that leads to the bridge, cross it and, just afterwards, descend to the left along the stream, crossing it over a small stone bridge.

Return along the tarmac road, follow it for a stretch and then take the branch that descends and reaches the stream where the main bridge is clearly visible. Without crossing it, continue along the mule track high up on the Ayasse stream and then descend slightly and cross a characteristic "dancer" bridge. In this area, the stream has beautiful pools of crystal-clear water.

The path continues to the left to climb up to a small car park and cross between the houses of Frontiére. The path descends to skirt the Ayasse stream for a stretch and then ascends slightly to reach the bridge over the Ratus gorge. You cross the bridge admiring the deep gorge of the ravine.

You turn back and at the end of the bridge you take the decidedly steep path up into the forest. We come to a fork in the path (the path to the right will be the one we take next) and turn left.

The path climbs up into the gorge, with a few small sections equipped with a safety rope, until we gradually approach the stream and reach a beautiful puddle with a small waterfall.

We return back along the same path to the fork in the path, where we go straight on and, on a level path, reach the tarmac road that climbs up to the village of Crest. Follow it downhill and you will reach the road that descends to Frontiére. Turn left for a short distance until you cross the Manda stream on a beautiful arched bridge. Cross it and descend slightly to the asphalt road. A short stretch and then turn right to cross the most beautiful bridge of the entire route. After admiring the large puddle of the Ayasse stream from the bridge, climb up between the houses to reach the centre of the hamlet. Turn right and follow the route taken on the way up to reach the car park