Cammino dei Ribelli

• Length:

  130 km

• Stages:

  7

• Departure:

  Arquata Scrivia (AL)

• Arrival:

  Arquata Scrivia (AL)

• Ideal period:

  May to July

The social walk in Val Borbera, which has taken the name Cammino dei Ribelli, is the brainchild and volunteer effort of Giacomo D’Alessandro, a Genoese walker and communicator (with family origins in the valley as well).

In April 2017 Giacomo graduated in Public and Political Communication from the University of Turin with a thesis on social walks in Italy as a tool for nature tourism development, specifically presenting a project on the Borbera valley. The supervisor, Maria Elena Rossi, at the time Director of the Piedmont Tourism Office, encourages the deepening of this idea for a territory actually out of any touristic and territorial heritage enhancement tour.

To arrive at his dissertation, Giacomo had already done a series of reconnaissance on the trails and among the people of the Borbera Valley. Most importantly, he had been experiencing walking around Italy and Europe for about 10 years (that is, since he was 17). In particular, the Nomadic Republic’s civic walks, promoted by a group of writers, journalists and various activists in “minor” areas of Italy, had been proof for him that walking is also a “social” and “political” tool that can offer a common ground for commitment to people already disposed toward certain values and to a certain care for the local community.

The first realities in the Borbera Valley that welcome the project of a social path are the collective of Cascina Barbàn – which invites Giacomo to present the path at the Boscadrà Festival – and Irene Zembo’s BorberAmbiente, which gives support in planning and surveys. An important relationship related to trail exploration was also born with the CAI Trail Commission of Novi Ligure, Guido Oliveri and Silvio Piella succeeded later by Roberto Borsani. And in general, the encouragement of some receptive realities, some agro-pastoral realities, and some mayors makes the project gradually become known throughout the valley and prepares the ground for its launch, albeit entrusted to a minimal group of volunteers.

In May 2019, the communication channels are ready, the name of the social walk is chosen, the logo designed by artist Stefano Rossi; an initial version of the itinerary is chosen, gps tracks are made available online, and each STAGE is associated with one or more hospitality options. For a valley that has never known an influx of hikers, much less walkers coming from far outside the area, and passing right through the villages to meet the people, this is a strong bet.

But the beauties to be discovered are indeed there, and the attraction proves effective. From the wonderful Borbera Narrows to the centuries-old beech and chestnut groves of the upper valley, from the stone-built farming villages with their providential water sources to the stories of those who have chosen to stay or graft to cultivate the land, ancient grains, make wine or cheese, do art, yoga and community.

Present in good numbers at each STAGE and in every village you pass through.

In the text guide for each STAGE, sources are indicated (https://www.ilcamminodeiribelli.it/le-tappe/).

STAGE 1: Arquata Scrivia – Persi
Length: 13 km
Height difference: +400 m elevation gain

STAGE 2: Persi – Albera Ligure
summer version: in the Borbera Narrows
Length: 15 km
Elevation gain: +330 m
winter version: for Roncoli – Rivarossa
Length: 17.5 km
Elevation gain: +800 m

STAGE 3: Albera Ligure – Cosola
Length: 15 km
Height difference: +800 m

STAGE 4: Cosola – Fontanachiusa
villages version (challenging)
Length: 22 km
Height difference:+ 1000 meters
ridges version (less challenging)
Length: 18 km
Height difference: +1000 meters

STAGE 5: Fontanachiusa – Upper Dova
Length: 20 km
Height difference: +900 meters

STAGE 6: Dova Superiore – Roccaforte Ligure
Length: 18 km
Height difference: +700 meters

STAGE 7: Roccaforte Ligure – Arquata Scrivia
Length: 20 km
Height difference: +600 meters

Are there any supermarkets?
Stores and stores can be found only in the larger towns: Arquata, Persi, Cantalupo, Rocchetta, Cabella, and Grondona. In the other STAGE places it is possible to lean on host structures that almost always have at least a bar service. In some villages such as Cosola, Cartasegna, Daglio and Grondona in the summer season, clubs with groceries, drinks and snacks are open. It is suggested to check through the stage contact persons. For the outlet in Cosola: whatsapp 335756574.

Are there pharmacies? In Arquata, in Borghetto, in Rocchetta, in Cabella.

Be sure to have the gps tracks of each STAGE available on your phone in offline mode, to check your position in some passages in the upper valley, where depending on the weather or vegetation it may happen to lose orientation or miss a marker.
Beware of free dogs for agro-pastoral activity at Stalla dei Ciuchi, Cascina Barbàn, Vegni, Castagnin.

About 15%

Each STAGE has several tent areas indicated, associated with a service place (bar, restaurant, farmhouse…). Find out about them at https://www.ilcamminodeiribelli.it/dove-dormire/

Do permits need to be obtained? All tent areas require telephone notice to the designated entity that manages them. Not all are open access.

The Rebel’s Credential is a unique keepsake specially designed and created with the contribution of artist Stefano Rossi.

Through the credential, the walk is self-financing for expenses related to the website, digital guide, signage and information materials. The Credential can be picked up in Arquata Scrivia at the walk’s infopoint, Irene and Dario’s local Social Bakery – Pancaffè (Via Libarna 155). Or you can order it online at https://www.icaminantes.com/shop/credenziale-cammino-dei-ribelli/

Mail: info@ilcamminodeiribelli.it
Mobile: 3492603547 (Whatsapp messages only)

Contact information for each STAGE contact person is at https://www.ilcamminodeiribelli.it/contact/