Chestnut Path

The Chestnut Path itinerary begins in the center of Montà d'Alba, in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where it is possible to park the car.

From here, you walk along Via Cavour and Via Roma, which lead to the pedestrian historic center of the hilltop village of Montà, where you can admire the bell tower and the square of the old Parish with the church of St. Anthony Abbot. From here, you continue along Via Morra, flanking the sixteenth-century Morra Lavriano castle and reaching the "Centro outdoor Valle delle Rocche," an area for organized sports activities.

After passing the Outdoor Center, you can take the naturalistic trail on the right, following the signposts placed along the entire loop. Here the Path crosses numerous vineyards and orchards that open into a panoramic valley dominated by the Pilone di San Bartolomeo. Some ridges of Rocche begin to stand out alongside the Path; you enter the shade and cool of a descent winding between chestnuts and oaks and reach the wetland area of the biotope, an artificial pond resting place for many bird species and a paradise for many amphibian species: you follow the left side of the lake, where it is possible to quietly stop in the camouflaged wooden hide for bird observation.

The Chestnut Path reaches its most adventurous section here: it winds through the humid valley and after ups and downs immersed in dense woods with steep cliffs on the side, gradually climbs towards the so-called Via Lunga (which coincides with a section of the S1 trail).

You intersect the detour to the San Nicolao Oasis, which can be followed for a round trip to the votive pillar dedicated to the Saint on a panoramic hilltop in the heart of the Rocche.

You return towards Montà along a ridge path where numerous Scots pines tower, reaching the Bric Torniola, an area dominated by the most imposing known chestnut specimens famed for their production of "Madonna" chestnuts, ripening early. From here, you return to the old Parish church and the historic center of Montà.