Ferrata Rocca dei Corvi

Overview

The Ferrata Rocca dei Corvi unfolds along a steep, compact wall shaped by the erosive action of the Mongia stream in the province of Cuneo. The route is defined by its athletic, exposed character, offering a dynamic and never-repetitive progression. The variety of passages is remarkable: horizontal and diagonal traverses alternate with downclimbing sections and Tibetan bridges. Despite the abundant presence of iron rungs, the route demands good physical fitness and a certain familiarity with exposure. It is a relatively little-traveled but highly rewarding proposition, aimed at experienced hikers seeking technical challenge and continuous movement.

Approach

The starting point is located near the Cappella di Santa Caterina, close to Viola (CN). To reach it, take the Ceva exit from the A6 motorway, then follow the SS 28 of the Valle del Mongia towards Ceva, Mombasiglio, and Viola. After passing through the town, continuing towards Saint Grèe, you need to spot a yellow sign on the left indicating the access to the via ferrata. Follow a narrow paved lane up to the chapel, where you can park. Alternatively, you can drive about one kilometer down the dirt road, cross a stream, and park in a large clearing just beyond.

From here, continue on foot along the dirt road to the left, passing the parking area after the stream. The trail climbs gradually until it meets yellow arrow markers that branch off to the left towards the via ferrata. The path becomes steep and drops decisively towards a marked rocky clearing: to the left branches the "Via Ferrata risalita del torrente Mongia," to the right the "Via Ferrata dal ponte tibetano." Choosing the left branch (the full route), descend for about ten minutes, cross an unstable wooden footbridge suspended just above the stream, and reach the start of the via ferrata on the left bank of the Mongia. The approach from the parking area takes about 30 minutes.

Via Ferrata

The route begins with a short, slippery wall near a waterfall, which can be particularly challenging in high spring water flow conditions. After overcoming a connecting section and another footbridge, you encounter a first vertical equipped section plunging directly over the water, made easier by several metal rungs. Ignoring a bridge over the river, you reach a wooden ladder that climbs a vertical wall about five meters high with a slight overhang, next to a striking waterfall.

The progression continues to the right, rounding a corner above the stream via a traverse equipped with rungs for hand and foot holds. Beyond the corner, you climb a rocky outcrop, gaining height. Higher up, the suspension bridge used for the return becomes visible. You follow a small ridge, step over a tree, and go around a large boulder. After another short vertical section, you tackle a diagonal traverse to the left that is quite physical, fitted with pegs. Once past this passage, you climb a vertical wall, then turn right onto another traverse, first horizontal then diagonal and ascending, which leads to a comfortable panoramic ledge, ideal for a break (40 minutes from the start).

Setting off again, you face a slabby wall, continuing diagonally until you reach another vertical wall inside a chimney with a slight overhang. Exiting this cleft, you find yourself below a small vertical wall with a support cable. Climb it and follow a ledge to the right before a more demanding step, now close to the end. Finally, you gain the final crest, which you ascend without particular difficulty until you reach the summit of Rocca dei Corvi, marked by a small Madonna statue (1 hour 15 minutes from the start; about 1 hour 45 minutes total from the parking area).

For the return, follow the easier marked route. Descend the rocky spur and follow the east ridge to a rocky pulpit. Then tackle a more technical section in descent, rounding a highly exposed corner with the aid of rungs-an airy and non-trivial passage on the way down. Continue the descent with some easier, more slabby sections until a junction, where you take a left onto an easy gully with a steel cable that leads to the anchor rocks of the Tibetan bridge. Cross the suspension bridge, which is long but fairly stable, and after a short traverse, the Ferrata Rocca dei Corvi concludes (2 hours from the start; 2 hours 30 minutes total).

Descent

From the end of the via ferrata, retrace the approach trail back to the parking area. This section takes about 20 minutes, bringing the total hike time to about 3 hours.

Useful Notes

The route's equipment is excellent and abundant. The continuous and often vertical nature of the route heavily taxes the upper body, making it tiring for those who are not fit; it may therefore be useful to use a quickdraw on a couple of particularly long traverses. For less prepared hikers, there is the option of taking the easy route, crossing the Tibetan bridge immediately and ascending and descending by the same path.

It is important to note that, following weather events in the winter of 2020-2021, the initial footbridge and the first steel cables were damaged. Anyone intending to tackle the first section of the via ferrata must pay particular attention in these first few meters, checking the stability of the anchors.