Along the Bric Zenevrei, from Govone

Introduction

Beautiful walk in the rolling hills on the border between the Langhe and Roero. This itinerary can be covered all year round but we recommend coupling this excursion with the interesting Tulipani in Corte event that normally takes place on the last Sunday in March at Govone Castle.

Description

Leaving the car near the Trinity Church (269m), we follow a short downhill stretch of tarmac road until we reach the locality of Piano Vaneschia. We overlook a fork in the road to the left (this will be our return journey) and continue straight ahead, skirting the hamlets. We immediately enter the beautiful countryside, passing through vineyards and splendid orchards (to be appreciated especially in the spring blossoming). The route runs along the ridge that leads to Bric Zenevrei; on the right there are enchanting views of the Fontanà valley. After an initial flat section, we reach the high point of Bric Zenevrei (254m, 0h15'): vineyards and a bucolic landscape all around. Having reached a fork in the road, proceed slightly to the left - following the country lane - and slowly begin the descent until reaching a small hut in the middle of the vineyards. We continue straight ahead along the ridge until we leave the "thread", turning right and descending slightly on the eastern slope: to our right is a pleasant little valley with poplar thickets and beautiful vineyards, at the foot of Craviano. The walk continues along the small road until reaching a votive shrine (217m, 0h50'): just before it, turn left and follow a short stretch of agricultural track in the opposite direction. Having reached a vineyard, follow a small road that descends steeply to the right until it joins the tarmac road that precedes Ripalda (153m, 1h00'), a hamlet of San Damiano d'Asti. Continue to the right and, at a beautiful farmstead, turn right again following a small road lined with mulberry trees. We reach the hamlet of Ripalda and turn left, crossing the main road and skirting the small church; a little further on we come to a red drop-shaped marker and the start of a dirt track that branches off to the right. Continue between the cultivated fields in the wide depression, following the practically flat road. After encountering a votive pillar, we skirt a few poplar thickets and enter a large flat area planted with forage. We reach a fork in the road, turn left and begin to climb up the small road that will take us back to our starting point. Slowly, we move towards a wooded area where it is possible to see pheasants... not always... We make a couple of twists and turns and climb up the ridge: a little more effort and we reach Piano Vaneschia (250m, 1h55'). Take the road again and in a few minutes you will again reach the starting point at Trinità (269m, 2h00'). 

• Escursioni nel Roero e dintorni - Oreste Cavallo, Franco Rota, Cierre Edizioni, Verona, 2006