Starlit Walks - Bandita-Cassinelle Loop
An evening hike through the woods and vineyards of the Ovada area, under the starry sky of Cassinelle
About Starlit Walks - Bandita
A slow-paced summer evening under the stars of the Ovada region
The Starlit Walks have become a beloved summer tradition in the Ovada area: a series of evening excursions designed for those who want to enjoy the cool night air while walking along paths through woods and vineyards, far from the heat of the day. The Bandita-Cassinelle loop, scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026, is one of the eight stages of the 2026 edition and invites participants to discover the Upper Monferrato, in the municipality of Cassinelle, in the province of Alessandria, bordering the Ligurian Apennines.
The Route
The meeting point is set for 7:30 PM at the cemetery square, in the Bandita hamlet of Cassinelle. From here, a loop trail of E difficulty (basic hiking level) begins, designed to be accessible to everyone, even those without specific training. You will walk as the sun sets and then in the dark, when the sky lights up with stars: for this reason, a headlamp and a flashlight are essential for the return, as is hiking footwear with a lugged sole.
An Initiative by CAI Ovada
The walks are organized by the Ovada Section of the Italian Alpine Club, led by president Giorgio Marenco, and accompanied by the section's volunteers. In recent years, the initiative has grown significantly in numbers, becoming one of the most popular events of the local summer. Each walk involves the associations of the various towns crossed, which offer a convivial moment of refreshment to participants upon their return.
The 2026 Series
The Bandita-Cassinelle loop is the fifth of the eight evenings in 2026, a calendar that touches the most beautiful villages of the Ovada area between June and July: from Trisobbio to Rossiglione, from Mornese to Silvano d'Orba, up to Ovada, Rocca Grimalda, and Lerma. A different and evocative way to discover a territory made of hills, Dolcetto vineyards, and ancient paths, in good company and in contact with nature. In case of bad weather, the outing is cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
Starlit Walks - Bandita — edition 2026
The Bandita-Cassinelle walk on July 9, 2026, is the fifth stage of the CAI Ovada summer series. It is an evening loop trail of basic hiking difficulty (E), suitable for everyone. Upon return, when it is already night, local associations offer participants a moment of convivial refreshment.
The initiative is free and open to members and non-members; in case of bad weather, the outing is cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
Programme Starlit Walks - Bandita 2026
Thursday, July 9, 2026
- 7:30 PM — Meeting at the cemetery square, Bandita hamlet (Cassinelle)
- Departure for the Bandita-Cassinelle loop trail, difficulty E
- Evening walk through woods and vineyards, with return in the dark (headlamp and flashlight essential)
- Convivial refreshment at the end, offered by local associations
Full calendar of the 2026 Starlit Walks (CAI Ovada)
- June 16 — Three Castles Loop, meeting at the Trisobbio swimming pools
- June 18 — Berchi Memorial, meeting at the Ex Ferriera in Rossiglione
- June 25 — Mornese-Casaleggio Loop, meeting at the municipal schools of Mornese
- June 30 — Silvano Loop, meeting at the Parish Church
- July 9 — Bandita-Cassinelle Loop, meeting at the Bandita cemetery square
- July 14 — Ovada Loop, meeting at Via XXV Aprile 10 (CAI headquarters)
- July 21 — San Giacomo Loop (Rocca Grimalda), meeting at the Recreational Bowls Club
- July 28 — Lerma-Casaleggio Loop, meeting in Piazza della Lea in Lerma
All walks meet at 7:30 PM.
Highlights Starlit Walks - Bandita 2026
- Evening walk through the woods and vineyards of the Upper Monferrato
- Loop trail of E difficulty, accessible to everyone
- Starry sky and night return with headlamp
- Final social gathering offered by local associations
Prices Starlit Walks - Bandita 2026
Practical information — Starlit Walks - Bandita
When
Thursday, July 9, 2026, meeting at 7:30 PM.
Where
Cemetery Square, Bandita hamlet, Cassinelle (AL). Bandita-Cassinelle loop trail, difficulty E.
How to get there
Cassinelle can be reached by car from the Ovada exit (A26 motorway) by continuing towards the Upper Monferrato; the Bandita hamlet is signposted along the provincial road. We recommend using your own car, given the hilly location.
What to bring
Hiking footwear with a lugged sole, headlamp, and flashlight for the return in the dark. Clothing suitable for an evening walk in the hills.
Costs and Contacts
Free initiative open to everyone, both CAI members and non-members. Information: tel. +39 0143 822578, e-mail [email protected], website www.caiovada.it.
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Where does it take place — Starlit Walks - Bandita
Piazzale del Cimitero, frazione Bandita
Piazzale del Cimitero, 15070 Cassinelle