Famous cheese and fantastic landscapes – 7 trips from Italy’s Castelmagno

Castelmagno is the name of an alpine municipality and also a famous cheese that’s produced in Cuneo province in the municipalities of Monterosso Grana, Pradleves and Castelmagno.

Nestled between the Stura and Maira valleys, the Grana Valley is one of the shortest valleys in the Cuneo area. As in the neighbouring valleys, here you can find treasure troves of beauty: masterfully frescoed chapels, historic buildings, hamlets set in picturesque locations and much more. The Sanctuary of San Magno is the symbol of the area and is much loved by the local community. It’ll become your point of reference.

These hikes are perfect to deepen your knowledge of the Grana Valley or to give you a few hours to yourself whilst a loved one competes in the Granfondo Fausto Coppi or climbs the Colle Fauniera.

With each step, you hear the ringing of bells, worn by cows who spend the summer in the alpine pastures here. Every day, cheesemakers skillfully transform milk into cheese, storing it on larch boards in damp cellars. After maturing for at least 60 days, the Castelmagno is ready to use in dishes or eat with locally produced honey and a glass of red wine.

The nature is amazing here. As the weather warms, the landscape is an expanse of colourful flowers and lush trees and animals awaken from hibernation. In the colder months, the scenery falls silent under a thick blanket of snow.

This Collection has seven day hikes suitable for everyone. Some routes take you to historical places where you discover traditions and popular customs. Others take you up the mountain peaks that characterise the upper valley and mark the border between the Grana, Maira and Stura Valleys.

The best time to undertake these routes is from May to October, when there is no snow at higher altitudes. Aside from the Narbona ring, you can also do these itineraries in winter. However, equipment is essential: bring a shovel, avalanche transceiver and probe. You should have a good knowledge of the area and plenty of winter alpine experience. Check the Arpa Piemonte avalanche updates before setting off.

You should always carry some warm clothing in your rucksack as the Grana Valley is notorious for fog. A large water bottle, pair of sturdy boots and trekking poles are also necessary. As for food, however, you can stock up on supplies in the two refuges or the small shops in the valley. I recommend always having some spare energy bars though.

The starting points of the hikes can only be reached by car. To get to Castelmagno, you have to drive all the way up the valley from Caraglio, the gateway to the Grana Valley, which is about an hour and a half from Turin.