Ciglione→Ovada

Description of the route

From the Ciglione square and the hostel, take the Pilgrim's Path 531 Acqui–Arenzano. The asphalt descends with some hairpin bends to a farmhouse; beyond a barrier the route continues on a narrow path that reaches the valley floor. Here two variants are possible, both characterized by a small ford and a rather steep climb towards the asphalt road.

The stage continues in the shade and slightly downhill to the Piazza hamlet. Having abandoned 531, the provincial road goes back towards Morbello and then reaches Vallosio. Leaving the town along the SP206, take a dirt road that descends with a regular gradient for about four kilometers up to a stream that is normally easy to cross.

The municipal road leads towards Cremolino. Once you have crossed Borgo Francia, follow via Tulle, a short passage between houses and vineyards and a path in the woods, where you come across a second small ford. The ascent leads to the village of Cremolino, dominated by the castle. Via Rissa allows you to enter the centre, while Via Guardia takes you back through vineyards and woods on a beautiful white road.

The route finally becomes a grassy path and descends towards the SP204. The official sheet indicates particular caution between kilometers 19.9 and 20.5, where you travel along a busy provincial road: proceed compactly and in single file. After this stretch, the descent reaches Ovada and Piazza Assunta.