The shepherds' routes

Start / Arrival: San Piero
Average time: 2 h 30 min
Length: 7 km
Difficulty: medium
Elevation gain: 288 m
Trails: no. 107, no. 130, no. 135
Points of interest: Pietra Murata, Mulino del Moncione
Recommended detours: Masso alla Guata, Caprile delle Macinelle

This route, which represents only a part of the shepherds' trails network, is also included in the system of the ancient granite routes.

The journey back in time starts from the small village of San Piero along trail no. 107. Leaving the sports field, you immediately reach the area of the ancient granite quarries of San Piero.

Of the many quarries that were active until just a few decades ago, only two remain in operation today, right near the village. The trail continues uphill until it reaches a fork, where you can rest on large granite monoliths and enjoy the view over Sant’Ilario and the ancient Tower of San Giovanni.

To the right, trail no. 124 leads to the Romanesque Church of San Giovanni, while continuing straight leads to Piane al Canale along a wide and flat path. At a crossroads, continue straight on trail no. 130; to the right, trail no. 107 is one of the two paths that lead to Masso alla Guata (or Quata). After crossing the Moncione stream, leave trail no. 130 (which leads to Caprile delle Macinelle) and continue downhill. Here, a short detour of a few meters takes you to the panoramic viewpoint of Pietra Murata.

Returning to the trail, continue downhill along a stretch that soon becomes rather uneven.

Further down, at the junction with trail no. 135, keep left to head east again, in the direction of the granite quarries of San Piero.

Trail no. 135 descends to the large Mulino del Moncione, a remarkable example of centuries-old industrial archaeology, and crosses the Moncione stream once again. In addition to breathtaking panoramic views, you can also see the remains of ancient terraced vineyards, still well preserved.

The return to San Piero, staying on trail no. 135, completes the loop through the land of granite.