Bar To Bar, BARbaresco To BARolo (or vice versa), is a great journey through the Langhe, a ring–route from Alba that leads 123 kilometres (76 mi) through the Bassa and Alta Langa in seven stages.

But where is the Langhe? This territory is located in southern Piedmont in the province of Cuneo in Italy. As its name suggests, the hike touches on two large areas – Barolo and Barbaresco. The areas earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural landscapes in 2014. The Nebbiolo grape is one of the region’s treasures, used in two highly–prized wines appreciated around the world: Barolo and Barbaresco.

The landscape around you varies depending on where you are. The Bassa Langa is a succession of gently rolling hills characterised by long, orderly rows of vines that produce high quality, celebrated wines. The Alta Langa, on the other hand, is wilder: the hills there are higher, sometimes exceeding 800 metres (2,624 ft) in altitude, making them unsuitable for vineyards. In this heavily wooded area, humans have cultivated hazelnuts and farmed sheep for many decades.

The two areas have never been rich; before the Second World War they were actually very poor. Over the years, however, they’ve made full use of the qualities and characteristics of the land to make them their own workhorses. Located between the sea, the Alps and the Apennines, the land is perfect for certain crops thanks to its exceptional climate and nutrient–rich subsoil.

As you walk, you’ll notice how a castles is perched on every summit. You witness the region’s history first hand with each kilometre. You also come across two very important figures in Italian literature – Beppe Fenoglio and Cesare Pavese – who are intrinsically linked to these places.

If you think you’re leaving to lose a few kilos or to chase the perfect physical shape, well, perhaps this is not the most suitable route, because wines must be accompanied by good food to be appreciated to the full. Veal with tuna sauce, anchovies in green sauce, agnolotti del plin, boiled or fritto misto, hazelnut cake and bunet are just some of the traditional dishes. Don’t miss the fondue, tajarin and knife–beaten raw meat with white truffle, another of the region’s delicacies.

I recommend this itinerary in spring or autumn, but not in high summer, as it’s very hot and sunstroke is just around the corner.

There’s no shortage of accommodation: the area is full of agriTourisms, stately estates and small family–run businesses. I strongly advise you book well in advance, as this region is a popular destination for Italians, and visitors from Europe and overseas. In autumn, the grape harvest and Truffle Fair (from October to December) take place and the colours explode. Make sure you plan ahead of time so as not to miss out.

The ideal clothing is the same as during a mountain trek with a few warmer garments for the evening, when temperatures drop.

You can get to Alba by train (the station is a few minutes' walk from the centre) or by car.

For more specific information, here’s the official Bar To Bar website with the Ente Turismo Alba Bra Langhe Roero email bartobar.it

Enjoy your hike!