Canelli→Ponti

Description of the route

From Canelli, a city linked to Moscato and historic cellars, cross the Belbo stream and exit the center along Via Bosca. Beyond the last buildings a steady climb towards the hills begins. Turning around, the panorama embraces Canelli and the Gancia Castle, which remain visible as the route gains altitude.

The road leads to Cassinasco and then towards the small village of Gibelli. In this stretch the official trail indicates the presence of a gate, normally open; the GPX also includes an alternative ring road route to be used when the passage is not accessible. It is therefore advisable to keep the track available offline too.

Once you reach the top of the hill, the vegetation changes noticeably. Maritime pines, beeches and oaks accompany a long descent into the woods up to Monastero Bormida. The village and the bridge over the river constitute one of the most evocative passages of the day. After crossing, you walk along the right bank of the Bormida, then start climbing again among the vineyards.

The last section is gentler: a progressive descent leads towards Ponti and to the arrival point in the War Memorial square. Despite being relatively short, the stage offers a notable variety of environments, from the Belbo valley floor to the vineyard ridges, up to the woods of Val Bormida.