The Badger Path

The path begins in the historic center of Vezza d'Alba. You will find the general map panel next to the Town Hall in Piazza San Martino, which is also home to the Roero Natural History Museum. Following the directional signs, reach the small Church of San Bernardino and take the left path at the fork. Shortly after, near the edge of the village, you will reach the San Sebastiano Shrine (Pilone San Sebastiano). At this crossroads, take the path on the right for a long, flat, and panoramic stretch through Vezza d’Alba’s historic vineyards. The views open up to the hilltop villages of Roero, featuring the tower of Montaldo Roero, the castles of Monteu Roero and Cisterna d'Asti, and—on clear days—the stunning Alpine arc as a backdrop.

Near Frazione Sanche, the path descends toward Località Violi, where you can spot a traditional village oven right along the trail. After a few sharp downhill turns, you will reach the valley floor road (SP 257) at the halfway point. Turn right onto a dirt road near a small roadside shrine. The trail now leads through a cool valley floor and climbs pleasantly through shaded woods and vineyards. This area is famous for the discovery of a fossilized mastodon femur, which is now preserved in the Roero Natural History Museum. The trail now leads through a cool valley floor and climbs pleasantly through shaded woods and vineyards. This area is famous for the discovery of a fossilized mastodon femur, which is now preserved in the Roero Natural History Museum. Returning to the marked path, you will cross Val Tassera. After a steep climb alongside a massive vineyard, you will enter a dense forest where the trail winds down through a series of spectacular hairpin turns leading to Borgonuovo. From the school square, take the ancient uphill path (the "montata" of Vezza) to return to the village center at Piazza San Bernardino, completing the loop.