The route crosses some of the best places in the area for nature, from the valleys of the rivers Lemme, Pilota, Gorzente and Stura, to the Capanne di Marcarolo natural park, and finally the lakes of Lavagnina. The Capanne di Marcarolo natural park is in heart of the Oltregiogo region, in the far south of the province of Alessandria, an area dominated by the massive Monte Tibbio, with its beautiful view over the Gulf of Genoa. The artificial lakes of Lavagnina, Superiore and Inferiore, were created in 1852 when gold was still mined in the area. The village of Lavagnina, with its metal plant where ingots were produced, now lies under water. The lakes are now a natural park and a destination for trips.
Start in Lerma, a small medieval village. Carry on in the direction of Tagliolo Monferrato, where in the second-to-last week of every September they celebrate the Tournament of Flavours in the castle. Turn left before the bridge over the Piota, towards the hamlet of Cirimilla. Once you've passed Cascina Cirimilla, take the track Strada della Cirimilla. This goes all the way through the park, through beautiful nature and landscapes, and brings you to the hamlet of Capanne di Marcarolo. Once you get to the centre of the park, you can savour a rest before getting back on the road for the journey back. The first stretch is the same way you came, but at the junction in the woods, rather than going left, take a right, which will bring you to the lakes of Lavagnina. Go round the larger of the two and then back onto a track until you reach the tarmac road to the village of Casaleggio Boiro. Here you can see the castle, which has been used in many film scenes. It isn't long from here back to your starting point. You'll be back in Lerma in 2 km.