La Veulla (Pontboset) – Forte di Bard (Bard)
The route is well marked and allows us to admire the beauty of the stream and the bridges that cross it.After this section, there is a steep ascent with a somewhat exposed section.In case of heavy rain, it may be difficult to cross the stream at the point where the descent begins.
The descent down the steep wooded slope allows us to discover small streams and waterfalls.At the end of the descent, we visit the Goilles of Hône, which leaves us breathless because of the immense gorge carved by the stream into the rocks.Afterwards, in the background, the village and fort of Bard stands out with its majesty, which will bring our trek to an unforgettable conclusion.
Most usefull data
| Difficulty | E |
|---|---|
| Uphill slope | 285 m |
| Total length | 9.000 m |
| Total time | 3h 0m |
| Assiduity | medium |
| Recommended period | May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep |
Map
Other technical data
| Start point | La Veulla (Pontboset) |
|---|---|
| Start elevation | 772 m |
| Arrival point | Fortress of Bard (Bard) |
| Arrival elevation | 465 m |
| Max elevation | 848 m |
| Exposure | alcuni |
| Downhill slope | 585 m |
|---|---|
| Uphill time | 1h 10m |
| Downhill time | 1h 50m |
| Trail sign | CB3, 2, 2B |
Start point description
At the Pont-Saint-Martin highway exit, turn left in the direction of Aosta.
At the traffic circle, go left in the direction of Aosta. Continue past Donnas and reach Bard.
After the village, at the traffic circle, turn left in the direction of Champorcher. Drive through the village of Hône and enter the Champorcher Valley. Continue to Pontboset, do not enter the village but continue along the regional road to the second entrance, where you turn left to reach the beginning of the village. From the Verrès tollbooth, turn right in the direction of Turin, pass Arnad, and at the traffic circle turn right in the direction of Champorcher.
Trail description
From halfway through the hamlet, follow the signs for the "trail of bridges and gorges" that descends until you cross the stream on the characteristic Frontière bridge.
It climbs slightly and reaches the car road; cross the village and then descend slightly skirting the Ayasse stream with its beautiful pools of water until you reach the Ratus Gorge, which you cross on another bridge. At this point a very steep climb begins with some somewhat exposed sections, then descend and cross a stream (difficult in heavy rain).
From here begins the long descent to Hône. You cross some small streams with small waterfalls until you reach the asphalt road at the hairpin bend. Deviate to the left and in a few minutes you reach the bridge leading to the Goilles of Hône. After crossing it, continue along the stream on the path with footbridges to the end. Back to the asphalt road, follow it passing near the camper area until you reach the stream, where there are footbridges on the right that run along it.
You cross the bridge (it is also possible to cross to the other bank with an equally beautiful route) and follow the car road to the medieval bridge that leads to Bard. Crossing the bridge, you enter the hamlet, which you climb up to the church, where on the right begins the footpath that leads to the parade ground, the end of our route. After the first part of the hamlet, you need to turn right to reach the ticket office to collect the ticket for access to the fort and the museums.
