Day 17 : Rifugio Quintino Sella to Rifugio Barbara Lowrie

The days starts out with a walk through the rocky landscape aroudn Monviso. In good weather, Monviso can be seen towering above you. Follow the signs to Pian del Re. It's quite a descent, but a pleasant route, passing two lakes laong the way (Lago Chiaretto and Lago Fiorenza). The second one is close to Pian del Re, and the source of the Po river, and Albergo Pian del Re (2020m). 

Cross the road and take the path left, marked Acqua Sorgente (source), turning right and uphill just before a rocky outcropping, to la Sellaccia (2369m). This is not the offical route marked on the map, but follows the description in 'Through the Italian Alps'. From there, continue through the broad green valley to Colle della Gianna (2525m). The descent starts from there. First gently, but later more steeply, to the beautifully situated Rifugio Barbara Lowrie, with a goat farm next door.