5.0
(3)
71
riders
La strada dei Cannoni − loop from Sampeyre
06:16
67.5km
2,110m
Cycling
Embark on the challenging "La strada dei Cannoni − loop from Sampeyre" for a memorable touring cycling adventure. This difficult route spans 41.9 miles (67.5 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 6937 feet (2114 metres), typically taking around 6 hours and 16 minutes to complete. You will navigate a mix of paved and unpaved sections, including rough gravel and rocky roads, especially after Colle della Ciabra. The trail follows the ridge between the Maira and Varaita Valleys, offering panoramic views of the Maritime and Cottian Alps as you cycle through woods and open high-altitude landscapes.
Plan your visit between June and September, which is the recommended season for riding. Be aware of specific access rules for the historic Strada dei Cannoni; it is reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Motor vehicles are permitted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so choose your day accordingly for the best experience. The route's challenging nature means you should have very good fitness, though it generally doesn't require advanced technical skills.
This loop takes you along the historic "Strada dei Cannoni," an 18th-century military road built by King Carlo Emanuele III, though it was never used for warfare. Today, it is a classic route popular with touring cyclists and mountain bikers alike. The ascent to Colle di Sampeyre, part of this route, is even recognized as one of the
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
30 m
Sampeyre
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.17 km
Church of Santo Stefano and Frassino Town Center
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
24.3 km
Strada dei Cannoni
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
51.4 km
Sampeyre Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
67.5 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
45.3 km
22.1 km
196 m
Surfaces
27.4 km
22.1 km
17.7 km
389 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,310 m)
Lowest point (650 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 2 June
17°C
7°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Challenging route that offers great emotions and breathtaking views. The climb to the pass is long but without bumps. At the hill you can admire Monviso and Valle Varaita on one side and Val Maira on the other. The road of the cannons is not for gravel bikes (at least up to the crossroads of the Birrone hill), although it does not present demanding gradients, the surface is very bumpy with stones and rocks of a good size suitable for shock-absorbed bikes. After the Birrone crossroads, the path towards Venasca is definitely in good condition and easily passable. The descent from Colle della Ciabra towards Venasca, passing by the Dusman campsite is really pleasant, with little traffic and good asphalt.