Parking is available in Piazza Colbert. From here, take Via Acqua Gelata, which then becomes Via Collegio Barolo and takes you into the centre of village, near the impressive Falletti Castle and its Wine Museum (Wi-Mu). A brief detour along Via Silvio Pellico will take you through an archway to a square with the castle itself and two churches. From here, head back through the archway to the small square behind the castle, where, at the corner with Via Roma, you will find the Corkscrew Museum.
- for who: children 6 and older non suited to strollers (small children should be in backpack carriers)
- when: spring, autumn, winter without much snow
Continue along Via Roma until you reach Piazza Caduti per la Libertà. At the end of the square, take Vicolo del Pozzo to the left, which runs slightly downhill and out of the village centre. At the intersection, take Via Ghisolfi to your left, which heads steeply downhill. Continue down along this street, which becomes Via della Valle and runs alongside hazelnut groves and woodlands to a small picnic area known as Rio della Fava, where there is a table and a play area for children (fountain).
Continue along the dirt road to the left, which runs alongside the stream and beneath the hilltop village until you reach an intersection of four roads.
Take note of the stone road immediately to your left for your return trip, because it will take you directly to the castle. For the return trip, you can also take the dirt road that continues straight on to a gravel parking area and then directly to Piazza Colbert.For now, take the dirt road to the right, which will take you over a bridge and into the village (at the fountain shortly after the bridge). Continue straight along Via Aie Sottane (wooden signage: “Sentieri Langa Barolo – Castiglione/Annunziata”) and pass a winery with a high-tech, underground structure beneath a green field. Immediately after this, you will pass a house on your left. Here, take the narrowest road that continues straight on (white-and-read sign: “Castigliole”).
When the paved road turns to dirt, you will pass a warehouse and a stable and arrive to a grassy clearing with a soccer field and picnic area beneath the trees with tables and stone benches (fountain). From here, continue to the right over the bridge, then continue to the left alongside a lovely vineyard, avoiding the temptation to continue straight along the uphill road through the vineyard.
Continue along the dirt road that zigs and zags not far from a cemetery. Here, you will turn right onto an uphill road, following the sporadic red-and-white markings and signage (“Castiglione – 303”) to the top of the hill, where you can enjoy the amazing view. From here, it may be difficult to see the trail, because recent work in the area has upset the signage. In any event, all you need to do is head in the direction of the dirt road that can be seen below, in the middle of the vineyards and follow this road to the left until you reach the paved road.
Follow a brief section of paved road to the right, then leave this road to your left in the curve to continue along a wider track that will take you to a wider dirt road with a sharp curve. Follow this road to the right as it runs uphill alongside the vineyards (white-and-red signage) to the top of this second hill. From here, the road continues less steeply downhill alongside the vineyards with the tower marking your destination visible in the distance.
A final, brief climb will take you to the paved highway SP9, next to a campground with a small playground. From here, take one of the two uphill roads that will take you into the centre of Castiglione Falletto, with its castle and lovely Church of San Lorenzo.
PLEASE NOTE: Responsibility for the maintenance and practicability of the various trails lies with the municipalities where the routes are located. The Tourist Board, therefore, cannot be held responsible for any inefficiencies, but is willingly available to collect your reports so that they can be forwarded to the authorities concerned.
