Ring of Ormea: Cantarana-Bossieta and descent to the village

Access

Ormea is about 34 km from the tollbooth of Ceva (two cars are needed: the 1 a to Ormea and the 2 a from Cantarana - otherwise you walk back along the ideographic right bank of the Tanaro - +1h/1h15).

Introduction

The Upper Tanaro Valley, near Ormea, has an excellent network of hiking trails, with ever-changing views. In the area, there is also the only point of proximity between the Gran Traversata delle Alpi (which starts at Viozene) and the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, which passes by Monte Armetta (above Ormea, in Piedmont territory). Also famous is the route of the Balconata di Ormea, which has been divided into 9 loops for ease of use. The loop runs roughly to the north/west of the town and, in past years, various parts have been tackled, being about 40 km long in all. This time, on the other hand, a section of the Ormea Ring is covered, favouring the southern side. There are several points of interest, with some panoramic viewpoints and the crossing of villages and hamlets...

Description

From the road, we climb up to the Balma del Messere cave. At the end of the visit, we turn back at the last fork, facing a rocky section that requires a minimum of caution... The Orrido di Prale (Prale Gorge) comes into view and we reach Licatti. You touch the asphalt but immediately climb to the left. Afterwards, you are in Bavi and continue to gain altitude until you reach a viewpoint overlooking the valley below - unmarked diversions. The vertical wall precipitates x hundreds of metres from Rocche Balcatte. We did not see the crossroads after Bavi and this made us lose a lot of time (perhaps vertical signposting would be useful); we thought we had taken a wrong turn and turned back. Too bad because in the end you were... on the right track.... You then pass several chestnut trees, with a fair circumference. You cross a stream and by the time you reach the hamlet of Bossi it has begun to rain and you stop to eat, taking refuge under a large canopy. It almost rained, but after Campo Comune it started hard again and we took shelter under the porticos of the church of Bossieta; when it stopped again we descended towards Ormea, obviously shortening the trip and not doing the ring of the Vallette and the Castelletto.
By the third burst of water, by now, you are out of the car...

General information

Signposts: CAI markings
Type of route: Traverse
Recommended period: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Sun exposure: north

Trip summary: Cantarana - Balma del Messere - Orrido di Prale - Borgo Licatti - Borgo Bavi - Belvedere Rocche Balcatte - Borgo Bossi - Borgo CampoComune - Borgo Bossieta - Giro di Martin - P.te San Giuseppe - P.te
dei Sogni - Ormea (shortened due to rain, eliminating part of the Vallette loop and the Castelletto)

All in all: A complete and very rewarding day; ending with white Polenta della Val Tanaro in Garessio! (this is an ancient dish typical of the area. Prepared with local products such as potatoes, buckwheat flour - originally it was the only one used -, wheat flour, sheep's milk cheese, butter, cream and mushrooms)
Dif. E - total approx. 3h15 + 45'/1h x error - disl. +350m.

If you want here is the photo pdf file, with a bit more information:
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/AnelloOrmea019.pdf

http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/altre2019.htm
Trips to the Tanaro Valley and surrounding areas over the years
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/GiteValTanaro.htm
Un'Idea's Tanaro Valley Special...:
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/49.pdf
http://cralgalliera.altervista.org/anno2019.htm

NB: in case of an excursion, always check with FIE, Cai, any
park or other institutions, pro loco, etc., that there have been
no
changes that have increased the difficulties! All
responsibility is declined. The present text is purely indicative
and not exhaustive.

Info Hiking Section Cral Galliera:
http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/esc.htm
trips 2019 at the link: http://www.cralgalliera.altervista.org/gite2019.pdf