Via dei Cannoni

Via dei Cannoni (also called Strada dei Cannoni) is a historic ridge trail in Piedmont that follows the line of an old Napoleonic-era military road along the divide between the Varaita and Maira valleys.

This is a long-distance hiking route with moderate difficulty and an overall effort that typically lands around a half-day to full-day for most parties; the route is also described as having notable ridge segments that can be done as shorter “loops” in the area.

The named line ties together major passes on the ridge, including Colle di Sampeyre, Colle della Bicocca, and the Birrone Pass, making it useful as a connector between viewpoints and higher saddle areas.

Route terrain is ridge-oriented: expect sustained up-and-down rather than a flat walk, with the “difficulty” profile improving or worsening depending on which sub-section you choose (the same track is commonly broken into shorter hikes).

The route’s character is closely tied to its military purpose—artillery and supply movement along the ridge is reflected in the name “Road of the Cannons,” and the alignment generally traces that earlier transport corridor.

For planning, treat it as a moderate, distance-driven hike rather than a technical scrambling route: it’s commonly approached as a steady day hike with good hiking fitness and appropriate footwear for exposed ridgeline hiking.

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