Autumn Walk Among the Chestnut Trees of Chiusani

On Sunday 18 October 2026, the Oltrepò Pavese shows its finest autumn colours with the “Walk in the Colours of Autumn” (Camminata nei colori dell’autunno), the annual hike organised by the FAI Giovani group of the Oltrepò Pavese. The circular route, about 6 kilometres long, starts in Rocca Susella and crosses a wood of centuries-old chestnut trees that local residents still look after today. It leads to the small village of Chiusani, where the day ends with a convivial moment of local food. It is a chance to see the autumn foliage together with the people who live in this area every day.

The Route: From Rocca Susella to the Village of Chiusani

The Start and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul

Participants meet at 10:00 a.m. in the square in front of Rocca Susella Town Hall. Before setting off, the group visits the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, right next to the town hall. The church now opens only for the patron saint’s feast, so the visit is a rare opportunity. The walk then descends from Poggio Alemanno, passes through areas of geological interest and reaches a panoramic viewpoint over the Ardivestra Valley.

The Wood of Centuries-Old Chestnut Trees

A downhill farm track leads to the heart of the day, the chestnut wood. The trees are large and centuries old, and the local community still maintains and cultivates them. The residents will share the secrets of this traditional crop. They are joined by Dr Filippo Pozzi, an agronomist, who will speak about the “chestnut civilisation”, the role this tree has played for centuries in the life and economy of mountain and hill communities.

Chiusani and the Oratory of Santa Maria Maddalena

Chiusani is a small hamlet of Rocca Susella, known for the Chestnut and Marron Festival (Sagra della Castagna e del Marrone), which was held for 36 editions until 2018. Among the houses of the village stands the historic oratory dedicated to Santa Maria Maddalena, the second cultural stop of the walk.

The Chiusani Portico: Tasting Local Products

The portico is the gathering place of the hamlet. Here the local club welcomes participants with bread, salami, cheese with honey, schita and a sweet treat. Guests can also taste the chestnut beer, made with chestnuts grown in Chiusani itself. The picnic is included in the participation fee.

The return to the starting point takes place in the early afternoon, with an uphill walk through the wood on the slopes of Monte Magrèra.

Practical Information

The walk takes place on Sunday 18 October 2026, with a 10:00 a.m. meeting at Rocca Susella Town Hall, in the province of Pavia. The route is a loop of about 6 kilometres with 200 metres of positive elevation gain, on mixed dirt and asphalt surfaces. The paths are easy to walk, but trekking shoes or other footwear suited to dirt tracks and clothing appropriate for the season are recommended.

Places are limited and online booking is mandatory, by 16 October, on the FAI Prenotazioni platform. The contribution starts at 15 euros for FAI members and 18 euros for non-members, picnic included. You can join the FAI on site. Young people aged 18 to 35 can join or renew with the welcome rate of 15 euros.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the Chiusani chestnut walk take place?

On Sunday 18 October 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with the meeting point at Rocca Susella Town Hall (Pavia).

How long is it, and how difficult?

The circular route is about 6 kilometres long, with 200 metres of positive elevation gain. The paths are easy to walk, but you need footwear suited to dirt tracks.

How do I book, and how much does it cost?

Booking is mandatory online, by 16 October, on the event page on FAI Prenotazioni. The contribution starts at 15 euros for FAI members and 18 euros for non-members, picnic included.