I Calanchi di Merana

This circular trail, marked by the CAI 575 sign, is located in the Merana area, on the border with Liguria, and is characterized by spectacular gullies and numerous geological structures locally known as "Murion," created by the erosion of the rocks present in the area.

From the Pro Loco office, return towards Merana, pass in front of the grandiose parish church and continue towards the main road; Turn right past the village bar and restaurant and take the small road that branches off to the right (signs for Cascina Valle).

Pass the railway underpass and continue on the asphalt road until you almost reach Cascina Valle. Shortly before reaching it, take the path on the left and begin climbing up the slope, through a beautiful broadleaf forest. You'll reach the top of the hill, where the little church of San Fermo and the soaring medieval tower of the same name are located, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Bormida Valley.

Continue along the asphalt road that descends and runs alongside the beautiful gullies until you reach the cross junction where you turn right. After a short stretch on asphalt, take the path on the left and descend into the woods among the gullies, until you emerge into an open area with some cultivated land.

Continue along the path and cross a small stream before emerging onto a dirt road, where you must first turn right and then immediately left onto an asphalt road. Pass the Cascine Varradi farm and begin to climb, climbing over the gullies, following the route once used by those traveling between Piedmont and Liguria.

The setting is enchanting and unique, although quite challenging due to the elevation gain and steep slope. If you prefer, halfway up the climb, you can take variant 575 B, which allows you to shorten the route and return to the starting point. quickly to Merana.

After passing the gullies, enter an oak forest and climb in altitude until you reach a more open area, characterized by distinctive geological formations called "Murion," created by atmospheric erosion.

Continue along the border between the provinces of Savona, Asti, and Alessandria, and begin to descend in altitude following a mule track that winds through a chestnut grove. Take the small road that descends through the vineyards to Cascine Ghertriti.

After passing near Cascina Galli, take the path that climbs through the gullies in an almost lunar landscape, characterized by fields of lavender and other aromatic herbs. Pass through a stretch of woodland and then arrive in another area characterized by the presence of "Murion," pseudo-mushroom-like geological formations with a wide variety of shapes, sometimes resembling animals.

At the next fork, keep right and continue through the woods until you reach Monte di Mezzo; after passing this peak, begin to descend along the ridge and the gullies, from which you can admire the surrounding landscape.

Follow the path to Cascina Bruciata and continue on asphalt until you return to the Pro Loco office, thus completing the circular route.

• Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta
• Tower of San Fermo (panoramic viewpoint)
• Geological formations (gullies and "Murion")

Osteria "La Montaldina" – Montaldo District, 15018 Spigno Monferrato

Tel. 0144 91499

- Pizzeria "Civico 41" Corso Roma, 41, 15018 Spigno Monferrato

Tel. 371 6174146

- "Roxy Bar" Corso Roma, 110, 15018 Spigno Monferrato

Tel. 366 4091646

From Acqui Terme, go up the former state road 30 of the Bormida Valley until you reach Merana, the last municipality in the province of Alessandria, bordering that of Savona. Once in town, turn right, following the signs for the Pro Loco, where you can park your car.