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Love wild camping? Go Italian Alps!

One question. If travelling solo on such tracks - what happens in the event of a mechanical problem?

When I used to Green Lane in my Defender the club I belonged to suggested a minimum group of 3 vehicles - off the beaten track.
 
How inspiring, thanks for taking the time to share.
 
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/4...1551,7544m/am=t/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e0

Popular and pleasant dead end valley with a mostly very smooth dirt track. Has street view. There was a no camping sign at the entrance so after having a good look around I left and stopped by a nearby river. On returning in the morning there were tents and a couple of motor homes dotted about so stayed a couple of nights hidden well off the main track at the top. One was go over the bridge at the end turn right (a few deep dips in the track with possibility of grounding the spare wheel if not careful) then just go across the grass when the track ends and stop where you like. I went down the slope and stopped next to the river under the trees but there is also a small waterfall to the left. Very peaceful. The next day I went to explore the track that is straight ahead when you get to the bridge. Fun moderate track through forest for the first mile or so then gets tricky. Steep with very deep trenches and some slippery mud on one section. Tow bar bottomed out more than once and when it started getting muddy it made my heart really race as was risky but had no choice as committed. The cattle farmer at the top did look really surprised when i came trundling round the corner. Stayed here https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/4...8313,6.9679398,820m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0 just off the track on a mound. A nice spot far from anyone. Would not recommend going any further up as nowhere to turn around.

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One question. If travelling solo on such tracks - what happens in the event of a mechanical problem?

When I used to Green Lane in my Defender the club I belonged to suggested a minimum group of 3 vehicles - off the beaten track.
To be honest I don't worry too much about that. The transporter is quite tough and reliable. I take great care (most of the time) in checking where I'm going to make sure I avoid any damage and the possibility of getting stuck. Even though I'm always looking for the most remote and beautiful places you will always see 4x4ers doing the same thing (but with a different kind of tent on the roof). Have always found them a friendly bunch and helpful, though might have to wait many hours for one to pass. Don't think I have ever been anywhere where I could not be towed back to a road for assistance if needs be. I feel tyres are the weakest point so carry the means to deal with multiple punctures. Breakdowns are inevitable but never seen any abandoned vehicles in the mountains so there must always be a way to get them out.
 
So nice and inspiring to see!

I have driven thru most places in the European Alps some 25 years back. Even been on the peak of the Mount Chaperton back then. But that all was with almost no luggage on different offroad/enduro motorcycles for weeks in a row. It was such a pleasure.

My wife is quite frustrated over hights and steep drops – she got really moist hands when we did the Sprüngenpass last year – steep and narrow but on asphalt. So I am afraid it is close to no go if it gets too interesting to drive. Despite I made the decision that our next Cali is a 4 motion with air suspension – so the dream lives!
 
Wow Skewif, I'm impressed and inspired! Thanks for sharing.
We got the 4motion, now we just need the guts...
 
Col de Furfande
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/4...291,6.6996013,6520m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0

Really enjoyed this track. Starts at a free motorhome parking area (only a water tap). It was the sign saying no entry except for exploration that got me interested! A couple of car parks on the way up and a couple of nice places one could stop at. Sign at last CP warns to go no further as track challenging. I thought it was great! Not sure about 2wd for the last bit but was not really taking notes. In future I'll take note if ok for 2wd. Really nice views at the top. Lots of paths to explore. Stayed one night but will do 2 next time. PS. I only go off season and I can imagine some tracks must be a pain if you keep meeting cars coming the other way as so few passing places at times. I feel some of the signage is there to prevent problems in peak season.

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https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/4....1673898,23964m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m3!4m2!3e0!5i1

Lost count of how many times I have camped just off the track a few Km to the east of Colle di Sampeyre. There is a nice level ish area on the right, can't miss it, lovely spot. Not been down the track to the west for a few years but it goes to a parking area that in my notes says "come stay here next time, Amazing!" so must be ok. The track to the east has always had me intrigued. For years I have only ever seen motocross bikes and well equipped 4x4 go along it. Cycled a few miles to check it out and seemed OK and a space just large enough to turn around if needed. Took the plunge, stunning views, not many places to camp but for sure I will try a few next time. Moderate track with quite uneven/ rocky ground just uphill of many switchbacks. Got out on several to work out a safe route. Was on only 3 wheels a couple of times. Such fun!! Not for 2wd. Really enjoyed the challenge and was such a buzz! Would do again if only to see the views lower down as was in cloud for a chunk of it.

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OK no Recording on sat nav. This is a test to see if i can sent a google map link of a track and a few pics from it. I can't get google to draw the route off road if pin is too near a road so track longer than shown at one end.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/'....118946!1m3!2m2!1d6.911369!2d45.03587!3e0!5i2

Thanks, @Skewif !

I have made a .gpx file of this track (and plan to the same with your other tracks) that can be imported into Google or satnavs such as TomTom or Garmin, so others can easily use them. But currently the forum does not allow the upload of .gpx files... I will ask the moderators to have that changed.

So, for the time being, here it is, disguised as a .txt file. Just download and then rename it to .gpx and there you have it...
 

Attachments

  • Skewiff 1.txt
    219.4 KB · Views: 24
This all looks fantastic! Do you have a 4wd cali? Could it be done without? We have a big Mitsubishi 4x4 which we use for mountain holidays and off roading, but that obviously requires a tent and I'm getting a bit old for cold camping in the cold so our offroad hols are restricted to warm climates just now. If we could do these roads in the cali I'd be up for it outside the summer months when it will be lovely and quiet.
 
Okay... now onto the best bits.. This is one the area
Thanks, @Skewif !

I have made a .gpx file of this track (and plan to the same with your other tracks) that can be imported into Google or satnavs such as TomTom or Garmin, so others can easily use them. But currently the forum does not allow the upload of .gpx files... I will ask the moderators to have that changed.

So, for the time being, here it is, disguised as a .txt file. Just download and then rename it to .gpx and there you have it...
Thank you Bart(?), that is most kind of you. I'll have to find a way to export .gpx files myself. Much more useful.
 
Glorious! And helpful to confirm that I was right to order a 4-motion.
I thought I was the only nutter that wanders solo in a camper up remote mountain tracks.

jp
 
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/4...1551,7544m/am=t/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e0

Popular and pleasant dead end valley with a mostly very smooth dirt track. Has street view. There was a no camping sign at the entrance so after having a good look around I left and stopped by a nearby river. On returning in the morning there were tents and a couple of motor homes dotted about so stayed a couple of nights hidden well off the main track at the top. One was go over the bridge at the end turn right (a few deep dips in the track with possibility of grounding the spare wheel if not careful) then just go across the grass when the track ends and stop where you like. I went down the slope and stopped next to the river under the trees but there is also a small waterfall to the left. Very peaceful. The next day I went to explore the track that is straight ahead when you get to the bridge. Fun moderate track through forest for the first mile or so then gets tricky. Steep with very deep trenches and some slippery mud on one section. Tow bar bottomed out more than once and when it started getting muddy it made my heart really race as was risky but had no choice as committed. The cattle farmer at the top did look really surprised when i came trundling round the corner. Stayed here https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/4...8313,6.9679398,820m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0 just off the track on a mound. A nice spot far from anyone. Would not recommend going any further up as nowhere to turn around.

OK,, here is the second one. Again in the guise of a .txt file. Download it, rename it to .gpx, and there you go!
 

Attachments

  • Skewif 2 - Valle Argentera.txt
    29.8 KB · Views: 17
Last edited:
Col de Furfande
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/4...291,6.6996013,6520m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0

Really enjoyed this track. Starts at a free motorhome parking area (only a water tap). It was the sign saying no entry except for exploration that got me interested! A couple of car parks on the way up and a couple of nice places one could stop at. Sign at last CP warns to go no further as track challenging. I thought it was great! Not sure about 2wd for the last bit but was not really taking notes. In future I'll take note if ok for 2wd. Really nice views at the top. Lots of paths to explore. Stayed one night but will do 2 next time. PS. I only go off season and I can imagine some tracks must be a pain if you keep meeting cars coming the other way as so few passing places at times. I feel some of the signage is there to prevent problems in peak season.

And here is number 3: download the .txt file, rename it to .gpx, and load it on to your Garmin or Tomtom!
 

Attachments

  • Skewif 3_ Col de Furfande.txt
    53 KB · Views: 14
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/4....1673898,23964m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m3!4m2!3e0!5i1

Lost count of how many times I have camped just off the track a few Km to the east of Colle di Sampeyre. There is a nice level ish area on the right, can't miss it, lovely spot. Not been down the track to the west for a few years but it goes to a parking area that in my notes says "come stay here next time, Amazing!" so must be ok. The track to the east has always had me intrigued. For years I have only ever seen motocross bikes and well equipped 4x4 go along it. Cycled a few miles to check it out and seemed OK and a space just large enough to turn around if needed. Took the plunge, stunning views, not many places to camp but for sure I will try a few next time. Moderate track with quite uneven/ rocky ground just uphill of many switchbacks. Got out on several to work out a safe route. Was on only 3 wheels a couple of times. Such fun!! Not for 2wd. Really enjoyed the challenge and was such a buzz! Would do again if only to see the views lower down as was in cloud for a chunk of it.

No 4. Same recipe: download the .txt file, rename it to .gpx and load it onto your satnav!
 

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  • Skewif 4 - Colle di Sampeyre.txt
    98.1 KB · Views: 13
Amazing....what do you do about going for a No 2 though
 
As requested some pics from 5 weeks touring down through the western Italian (Piedmont) Alps. If your joy is stunning panoramic views, no people, no noise, no signal then this is very much for you. Most of this trip was off road following old world war tracks very high up through the mountains. No camp sites, Stop where you want. In fact so many perfect stops it's hard to choose! Took over a thousand pictures. Here is a few...

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simply amazing...
 
This all looks fantastic! Do you have a 4wd cali? Could it be done without? We have a big Mitsubishi 4x4 which we use for mountain holidays and off roading, but that obviously requires a tent and I'm getting a bit old for cold camping in the cold so our offroad hols are restricted to warm climates just now. If we could do these roads in the cali I'd be up for it outside the summer months when it will be lovely and quiet.
I do have 4wd and the diff lock. Most can be done with 2wd when dry and with more care. Tyre choice is important too. I love the off season it's just so quiet. August has a lot of 4x4 and motorcycles on these tracks and the best places to camp may already taken. In Sep/Oct once the sun starts to drop you have the whole place to yourself, which is just perfect for practising ones yodelling.
 
Glorious! And helpful to confirm that I was right to order a 4-motion.
I thought I was the only nutter that wanders solo in a camper up remote mountain tracks.

jp
Hello fellow nutter. Thank you. Nice to know I'm not the only one too. Where do you go?
 
Amazing....what do you do about going for a No 2 though
Thank you. I'm trying to think of a way to tastefully answer that one.... Well it involves Waitrose large tie handle freezer bags (nice and thick). Once mastered it's very easy plus can be done in the van if needed. Just double bag and put in the rubbish. Having a dog I'm used to handling No2 in a bag so not problem for me.
 
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/4...732,7.0476269,6327m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0

This track is the dogs! One of the best for breathtaking views and general feeling of wow! Even though only 14km long I loaded up with food and extra water and spent 11 days there. Would stay 2 or 3 nights in each place. Climb a peak and watch every sunrise. Explore the interesting trails everywhere some leading into other gob smacking valleys. Few world war bunkers and buildings. Fair bit of wildlife too from massive eagles wooshing close overhead to the most joyful little Pine Martens. Discovered the dog to be a most useful tool for wildlife spotting, when he is fixated on a distant slope just stand behind him, line up with his long nose then look through the binoculars, was a winner every time! I just love it here. It's my place to reboot, clear my head and truly relax. Track a bit bumpy in places with some big old dips. I can't remember if anything impassable to 2wd but it would really depend on tyres and skill level. Would not recommend for first time on tracks. Even the approach road to the south east is not for the faint hearted. Enjoy...

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