Balcony and Cime de Marta from Colle Melosa

Park at Colle Melosa (Italy), which can be reached by driving up the Nervia Valley from Ventimiglia on the SP64. There are numerous parking spaces near the Allavena Refuge.

(S/E) Take the track that runs alongside the refuge towards the north, reaching the barrier that controls access to the track.

(1) Take the path ascending to the right towards the Mont Grai Refuge. Reach the track below the large Mont Grai Refuge building.

(2) Turn right onto the track and head for Col Bertrand, marked by marker 255c, on the French-Italian border.

(3) Continue uphill opposite, following the border, passing numerous border markers. You will reach marker 255b.

(4) Leave the border here and walk along the left side of the ruins of the old barracks in a north-north-westerly direction, then continue on the track along the mountainside in a westerly direction. You will reach a trail junction.

(5) Keep left on the track, walking almost horizontally, then begin a short climb. Reach the multiple crossroads at marker 253.

(6) Turn left onto the path heading due south and reach the Balcon de Marta.

(7) Descend off the trail towards marker 253, following the ridge in a north-easterly direction to enjoy beautiful views of the Roya Valley and the peaks of the Mercantour. Reach this marker, which you passed earlier.

(6) Take the left-hand path and climb to the summit of Cime de Marta, or Mont Vaquet, marked by marker 254.

(8) Now begin the descent, heading back to the track junction you passed on the way up.

(5) Take this track on the left and return via the same route you took on the way up to the Colle Melosa car park (S/E).

There is little shade and no water except for a drinking trough near (5).
No difficulty, but you will be walking at an altitude of over 2,000 metres. Bring appropriate equipment in case of a change in the weather.

(7) Balcony of Marta: there is an underground military fort beneath this balcony, but it is not advisable to venture inside as it is so huge. However, it can be used as a shelter if necessary. Dedicated bivouac area in front of one of the fort's entrances.
On the way back from (E): stop to visit the beautiful village of Dolceacqua at the beginning of the Nervia Valley.