Читать книгу Through the Italian Alps. The GTA - The Grande Traversata delle Alpi онлайн

27 страница из 48

Waymarking and Maps

A good part of the GTA route is signed with official red/white waymarking – usually painted stripes on rocks or prominent landmarks, if not signposts. However, lengthy stretches are not, and local numbering is sporadically referred to, where present. It varies wildly.

Village fountains are common

Note At the time of writing a new waymarking campaign was being launched in the Province of Cuneo, accounting for the substantial initial section of the GTA. Consequently there may be the odd small discrepancy between the route description and the situation on the ground. Differences may also crop up due to the reintroduction of appellations in local dialects. A good rule is to trust waymarks rather than putting your faith in the map.

Special GTA waymarking

Local waymarks

As cartography goes an excellent general road map is the 1:200,000 Touring Club Italiano Piemonte e Valle d’Aosta. Walkers should have the detailed individual walking maps covering the stages they intend to trek. The simplified sketch maps provided in this guide are only intended to give the route and major landmarks. A commercial 1:50,000 or 1:25,000 map showing contour lines, landscape features, settlements, minor roads and mountain huts is priceless in case of bad weather, problems with orientation and exit routes (not to mention identification of far-off landmarks, a great source of satisfaction). The IGC, Istituto Geografico Centrale, is the main mapmaker for Piedmont – unfortunately unremarkable for accuracy, updating and graphics. Their 1:50,000 series have been used as the principal references for this guide. However, the initial stages for the GTA are also covered by excellent 1:25,000 maps by Blu Edizioni (www.bluedizioni.it). Lastly, several sheets of the new and exorbitantly priced ‘Alps sans Frontière’ 1:25,000 series can be used.