From the parking area, walk downhill to the Alevè Refuge. Shortly before reaching the refuge, a path branches off to the left and climbs steeply into the wood of the same name with its ancient, fragrant stone pine trees.

Cross a clearing and re-enter the wood to reach the Grongios Martre Refuge (1,736 m), a welcoming hut built with stones and local pine wood. The climb continues behind it and soon emerges into the open again near the Peiro Grongetto stone hut. The pyramid of the imposing Pelvo d'Elva pyramid appears on the opposite side of the Varaita Valley, rising from the Bicocca hill.

Do not take the path on the right (this is the return route) but go straight into the enchanting stone pine wood. Follow a semi-circle to the right and, ignoring several side paths, reach the broad, evocative Pian Caval clearing, with a marvellous view of the upper reaches of Monviso.

A little further on, do not take the path to Lake Secco but turn left, still climbing among splendid stone pines to reach the Bagnour Refuge (2,017 m), a few hundred metres further on, standing in a truly stunning site on the shores of the small and shallow lake of the same name.

From the opposite (east) shore of the lake, it is well worth taking the track into the Ducs Valley to reach - a few dozen metres or so further on - a majestic, monumental stone pine that is more than 550 years old. Returning to Lago Bagnour, the return trip starts in a southerly direction taking the loop leading downhill that passes close by Lago Secco (1890 m).

Continue downhill to reach a crossroads a little further on. Turn right and, ignoring all the other side paths, follow a long stretch into the woods, initially downhill and then uphill. It closes the loop near Grangia Peiro Grongetto.

All that remains is to return downhill along the outward journey to end this spectacular itinerary in the enchanting Alevè Forest again.

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