Hazelnut trail

Round and gentle. Round because of its harmonious shape, and gentle, yes, because of its taste, but we like to think of it as gentle also because it has been the basis of the economic rebirth of a whole rural area. The hazelnut, with its amiable nature, was able to make people realise that there was a future for these rugged hills: it was enough to have faith its delicacy! And so it was for many Langa villages that believed in it, especially Cravanzana which, much grateful, celebrates the hazelnut with a monument, various events and, above all, with an impressive itinerary that will "immerse" you in the well-tended and charming hazelnut groves.

All you have to do is set off following the signposts for this 10 km loop trail and discover a natural environment where there is no lack of surprises: beautiful blooms in spring, but also excellent chestnuts in autumn. The sounds of a very active wildlife will keep you company. Once you reach Cravanzana, where you can leave your car, then walk along Via Ferrera, enter the path that runs parallel to the SP 31 to reach the small church of the Madonna del Rosario.

Continue right onto Strada Tomalino and you will be in a sea of hazel groves. As you leave this road, turn right towards Bric Grella and continue into the chestnut grove where the trail begins to descend until you get to a large hazel grove, which you will walk along until you come to a sharp right-hand bend to rejoin the chestnut trees. Halfway up the hillside, halfway up the ridge, you begin to descend between Scots pines and downy oaks and you get to the small country church: go around it and continue along the dirt track alongside an imposing drystone wall.

Go through Bogata Fossata and along an asphalt road to Torre Bormida where you will find facilities for a refreshing revitalising break. Return towards the public weight and follow the signs to Villaretti, but after a short distance turn right onto a small asphalted road and continue through some thick woodland. Once you reach the votive pillar near Cascina Ferrera you turn left: walk approximately for ten minutes at a good pace and you will be in Cravanzana.