Balteo hike – Stage 22

This stage begins in Verrès, following the Via Francigena almost faithfully for the first part.
The route remains level until Hône, after which the climb begins towards the hamlet of Biel, following a beautiful military road.
The stage finishes in Pontboset, which will pleasantly surprise you with its charming village and the delightful pools of the Ayasse stream.

From the Verrès motorway exit, turn right towards Turin.
Pass the roundabout and continue until the traffic lights, then turn right to reach the railway station car park.

Follow the paved road to the bridge over the Dora Baltea, and just before it, take the left-hand rural lane running alongside the river.
Continue along wide meadows beside the river until you reach the main road. Cross it, then proceed a few metres to the right before turning left into the hamlet of Barme. Turn right, passing a large traditional wine press. Continue along the street until you reach the beautiful Church of San Martino.
Shortly after, turn left and continue through the village, passing near Vallaise Castle, already seen on Stage 4. When you reach the road leading to Machaby, turn right and then left, cross the stream, follow it briefly, pass under the motorway, and arrive at the picturesque Echallod Bridge.
Continue left, first alongside the Dora Baltea and then the motorway, until you reach the Church of Hône. Immediately after the church, climb right along the steep mule track to reach a rural lane. Follow it on the level, passing a charming small chapel.
Cross the regional road leading to Champorcher three times, then ascend the large mule track passing near the Chapel of Santa Lucia until you reach the houses of Charvaz. Cross the main road and continue uphill along the paved road to Folliasse, where the scenic military road begins, leading to Biel.
Without reaching Biel, follow the paved road downhill to the first houses of Pontboset. Cross the Champorcher regional road and explore the charming village.