Bardineto to Conca dei Carbonari and Bric Agnellino

The trail from Bardineto to Conca dei Carbonari and Bric Agnellino is a long loop exploring the upper Val Bormida, reaching a maximum altitude of 1,315 metres. Starting from Bardineto (725m), a village known for its Peasant Civilisation Museum, the route plunges straight into dense Apennine beech forest. The name Conca dei Carbonari recalls the charcoal burners who for centuries produced charcoal in these forests — their blackened circular platforms are still visible on the ground. Bric Agnellino offers an open panorama across the western Alpine arc and the coast. The route is long with significant cumulative elevation gain (over 1,600 metres up and down), requiring fitness and good navigation skills. The flora includes bilberry at higher elevations and martagon lily in cool clearings. In autumn the beech forest transforms into a kaleidoscope of reds and oranges. For experienced hikers only, recommended from June to October with a dawn start.