Ovada→Mornese

Description of the route

From Ovada you cross the bridge over the Orba and take the provincial road uphill towards Tagliolo Monferrato. The old road is not usable, so the first three kilometers are on asphalt. The Tagliolo castle and the historic village dominate this part of the stage and offer a first opportunity to stop, with open views towards Belforte and the Alto Monferrato.

Upon leaving the town, leave the direction for Lerma and Casaleggio Boiro and take the Colma panoramic view. The climb is long but smooth; it passes near Cascina Bretta Rossa and reaches a small car park on the hill. Here begins the descent on the path, immersed in a chestnut forest, up to the Cirimilla area and the Primavera Village.

A new stretch in the woods leads to the second major river crossing of the day: after the Orba you meet the Gorzente. After passing the road to the Lavagnina lakes you enter the Mornese pine forest and the most strenuous sector of the stage. The landscape now takes on an Apennine character, with maritime pines, wild herbs and the reliefs of the Capanne di Marcarolo natural park.

The climb continues with Monte Tobbio, Tugello and Pracaban in the background. At the top, an equipped area and the panorama compensate for the effort: Mornese and the Mazzarello hamlet with the sanctuary appear. After crossing the last part of the pine forest, in about a quarter of an hour you reach the town center and the school square.