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The route begins in the center of Montà, at the large parking area in Piazza Vittorio Veneto (equipped with a water fountain and a bar), where the trail signage starts.
The itinerary takes its first steps along Via Cavour and Via Roma, ascending toward the pedestrian historic heart of the village. Here, the view is captured by the bell tower and the ancient Parish Square, dominated by the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate. Continuing along Via Morra, you will walk alongside the walls of the 16th-century Morra Lavriano Castle until you reach the "Valle delle Rocche Outdoor Center," a hub dedicated to outdoor sports.
After passing the sports facility, the path transforms into a true nature trail: simply follow the "Sentiero del Castagno" signs that mark the entire loop. In this phase, the path winds through rows of vines and fruit trees, offering sweeping views of the valley overlooked by the Pilone di San Bartolomeo (St. Bartholomew Pillar). After passing the majestic vertical cliffs of the Rocche, the trail enters a wooded descent among oaks and chestnuts, eventually reaching the biotope: an artificial pond that serves as a sanctuary for various species of migratory birds.
Here, you enter the heart of the route—its wildest section. The path wedges into a humid valley, alternating constant changes in elevation within the dense vegetation, framed by the steep profiles of the Rocche. Gradually, the track ascends until it joins the so-called "Via Lunga" (which coincides with a section of the S1 Great Roero Trail).
Along the ridge, you will find the detour for the Oasi di San Nicolao. A short detour (round trip) allows you to reach the votive pillar dedicated to the Saint, located on a panoramic hilltop that offers a privileged view of the heart of the Rocche. The return toward the village of Montà follows a crest path characterized by the presence of Scots pines. This leads to Bric Torniola, an evocative spot where the most imposing secular chestnut trees of the area stand tall, famous for the harvest of the "Castagna della Madonna," an early-ripening variety. The journey concludes by returning toward the old Parish Church and, finally, into the town center.
ITINERARY
- length: 11.5 km
- who it’s for: Expert hikers (EE level); not recommended for families with children.
- best time to visit: Spring, autumn, and winters with little snow. Avoid the trail after prolonged rainfall.
SAFETY
The trail is marked with directional signs: please follow the path in the indicated direction. We recommend checking the weather forecast and visiting the Ecomuseo website or contacting their offices in advance to confirm the trail's current accessibility and conditions.
PLEASE NOTE: Responsibility for the maintenance and practicability of the various trails lies with the municipalities where the routes are located. The Tourist Board, therefore, cannot be held responsible for any inefficiencies, but is willingly available to collect your reports so that they can be forwarded to the authorities concerned.
