GTL - Grande Traversata delle Langhe - Stage 9C: Arguello

Highlights and tour details

Further continuation of the previous track, this variant of the GTL takes us to Lequio Berria.

Arguello, like Lequio, has no more castle, lost in one of the many wars that bloodied Piedmont between the 16th and 17th century. The only remaining mound of earth on which stood dominates the village, nestled between the upper square and a couple of rounds of houses sloping towards the porta sottana, still marked by the original sternia (middle age cobblestone) and the 12th century Church of San Frontiniano. Like Sinio, Arguello was also very attached to the powerful monastery of San Cassiano (and Frontiniano) of Alba and this pieve is the most obvious link. A Roman stele was also found at the parish church and can be seen today in the town hall, proof of the age of the settlement. Remarkable not only for the lovely position, but also for the possibility of an unforgettable Sunday picnic, there is also the small Chapel of San Michele, on the road between Tre Cunei (the hamlet of the ridge shared with Albaretto and Lequio), just below the paved verge, overhanging a natural terrace lost in the woods below, between hamlets of stone and lavender and broom bushes.

From the square at the entrance of the village, take the dirt road that climbs to the right. Having gone around the Bric Trapolin, and passed a hazelnut grove, at the first junction proceed uphill then descend into the wood as far as an obvious dirt trail. Here, bend right, following the latter and skirt a hazelnut grove: at the first junction, proceed right, at the next junction right again, on the edge of the croplands. Enter the wood and continue to descend, keeping on the most marked dirt trail. On a bend, turn left and, passed a small stream, at a new crossroads head left, on flat ground, abandoning the road for a less obvious trail. With a few ups and downs, reach the edge of a valley between hills, under a vertical rock; descend to the right, beside the steep moat (with a short well-exposed section) as far as the Avre torrent, cross it without too much difficulty (but be careful) and climb back up between the vegetation of the opposite slope.

With a series of winding bends in the wood we reach the croplands, climb up the maximum slope, skirting the valley created by a small stream of water and reach Cascina Boschetto. Go around it on the right and follow the flat dirt track towards Cascina Pozzetto. The road, now paved, climbs to the right towards a house, from which a steep section allows to reach the very scenic ridge. Turn left, and after about one kilometre, practically on flat ground, you reach the concentric of Lequio Berria, close to the square.

The village is opposite Arguello, on another peak of the long hill that joins the ridge of the Langhe, namely the crest road that runs along the main ridge between the Tanaro and Belbo Valley. In actual fact, this ridge is a system of hills at times very wide, which depart from the highest crest that runs from Diano, Montelupo, Rodello, towards Serravalle, Bossolasco, Murazzano and, finally, Montezemolo.

Lequio is the birthplace of a famous luthier, Giovanni Pressenda, of the great Italian tradition that, from the Stradivari workshop onwards, has always been able to find the perfect woods for this precious instrument. A bust commemorates him at the end of the square.

Attractions

Arguello : Chris Bangle's Big Bench . Lequio Berria : International Pastel Collection

Other information

Source: Unione Montana Alta Langa
Itinerary code: GTL
Recommended period: Apr - Nov
Access by public transport: Yes
Classification: Medium and low mountain provincial
Provinces crossed: Langhe Monferrato e Roero

Departure, arrival and municipalities crossed

Departure

Via Principale
Arguello
12050 Arguello (CN)
Cuneo

see on map

Arrival

Via Roma, 8
12050 Lequio Berria (CN)
Cuneo

see on map

Links

http://www.langheroero.it/

Stages

Please note that the routes may include some sections where there is traffic.

The information contained in the pathways is not binding on the authors and verifiers of the pathways.

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Hiking