Family Outings - Castino to Cravanzana

A fairly long, but highly panoramic outing through woods and hazelnut groves to discover the quaint, historical villages of Upper Langhe region along a section of the 14th leg of the Grande Traversata delle Langhe (GTL).

From the ample parking areas near the cemetery, head towards the centre of village, then almost immediately take Via Portanuova slightly uphill to the left. From here, you can cross the alluring centre of village using either of the two parallel streets, either Via Portanuova (the upper road to the left) or Via Marte (the lower road to the right). Note, too, that the parish church has two facades!

When you reach the highway, cross it onto Via Professore G. Negro, which heads uphill (note plaques with the shield Via dei Feudi Carratteschi and GTL–Saliceto, and the red-and-white “Cravanzana 202” sign).

Just before the Town Hall (“Municipio”), take Via S. Rocco to the left, then keep to the rightmost street until it turns to a dirt road. The climb is initially steep and then flattens out somewhat as you leave the dense hazelnut groves and enter a panoramic section overlooking the surrounding hills as you pass through fields and wooded sections.

Head down to a paved road and continue along this road briefly, ignoring the various crossroads to stay on the main road. This will turn into a dirt road and take you past a house, where you need to turn onto a dirt road to the right (sign) and head into a lovely section of woods. After a brief descent, you will climb up to Bric Langa. From here, continue downhill and stay on the widest, most accessible road (signs).

When you reach the paved road, continue to the right through the hazelnut groves and keep to the main road. As you continue through hazelnut groves, which are bordered by high banks in places, you will reach the highway again near the chapel of Madonna del Rosario di Pompei.