Trail R45A

Trail R45A is a flat route near Caraglio, a village 575 meters above sea level at the mouth of the Grana Valley, known for the production of Castelmagno DOP—one of Piedmont's oldest and most prized cheeses, documented in a deed of the Marchioness of Saluzzo dating back to 1277. The route follows country lanes through irrigated meadows and rows of mulberry trees, a remnant of the silkworm farming that was the valley floor's main economic activity until the 19th century. Caraglio preserves the Filatoio Rosso, a hydraulic silk mill dating back to 1676, designed by Galleani and now a museum, considered the oldest multi-story silk factory in Europe. The route offers a constant view of Bisalta (2,404 m), which completes the southwest horizon with its unmistakable double-peaked silhouette. Suitable for everyone and accessible year-round; on winter mornings, the frost on the meadows creates a landscape of crystals in the sun.