Ambienti naturali unici da attraversare a piedi e su due ruote
Alagna Alpe Campo - Ph. ATL Biella Valsesia Vercelli
The provinces of Biella and Vercelli, embraced by the peaks of the Alps which slope down to the hills and then open on the plain, can host many outdoor activities, offering an incredible variety of hiking or cycling routes immersed in unique natural environments.
An important walking itinerary which connects the two territories is the Grande Traversata delle Alpi, that travels for 1000 km over picturesque trails along the Piedmont Alps and equipped with rest stops and specific signage, offering unforgettable views.
The area of Vercelli, from the peaks of Monte Rosa to the extreme south of the River Po, offers infinite opportunities for cycling lovers in all its versions: from the more demanding mountain bike itineraries with great differences in altitude to the downhill routes on exciting trails, to the long but pleasant routes between vineyards and paddy fields, to the bike rides suitable for all the family in the city or in parks.
The Valsesian trails allow to experience hiking at all levels and to venture along scenic routes, often with the natural background of the majestic massif of Monte Rosa: for those in better shape there are very technical itineraries which arrive at almost 3000 metres. It is possible to schedule outings over more days, perhaps tackling the important national routes which interest the Sesia Valley and its lateral valleys: these include the already mentioned Grande Traversata delle Alpi, or the Grande Traversata della Valsesia, itinerary of 11 impressive stages and the Via Regia, a magnificent mule track which connects Alagna Valsesia with Gressoney St. Jean, in the Aosta Valley, and allows to explore a territory settled by Walser colonies since 1300. Besides the immersion in an unspoilt nature, hiking in the Sesia Valleys allows to experience the genuine hospitality of the refuges, ready to offer an inviting menu based on hearty local dishes and a well-earned rest between one stage and the next.
No less stimulating are the routes that cross Bassa Valsesia, including the itineraries inside the Natural Park of Monte Fenera, of great historical and naturalistic interest.
Seven routes called “Risaie Ciclabili” depart from the centre of Vercelli. They develop among the paddy fields located near the town and go past ancient farmsteads and picturesque landscapes; furthermore, remaining in the lowland area crossed by the Cavour Canal, on the bicycle itineraries present here you can observe the canal and the irrigation systems of the paddy fields.
Situated in the northwest of Piedmont, the Biella area is a destination full of surprising attractions and offers an extended network of signposted trails for hiking enthusiasts: from the most demanding trekking towards the peaks, to the Grande Traversata del Biellese, itinerary of more than 200 km divided into 15 sections, designed to be travelled in 15 days. In part flat and in part characterised by moderate slopes, it crosses the entire province touching some of its most picturesque corners and is ideal for coming into close contact with nature with all the family. Easier, but picturesque, the Rosazza – Colle della Gragliasca Trail, ancient pedestrian interval connection between Alta Valle Cervo (Piedmont) and the Valley of Gressoney (Aosta Valley) used since 1400 and rich in historical testimonies.
Not only walking routes: every cycling enthusiast, on road and mountain bike, feels at home in the Biella area. Perhaps on the roads of the Giro d'Italia, from Alpe Noveis to the Serra, along the Panoramica Zegna and the Tracciolino, touching the three main shrines of San Giovanni, Oropa and Graglia. Or on the 11 kilometres of the Biella-Oropa climb, now legendary as Pantani’s mountain.
But also on lowland and hill roads, which calmly lead to corners of paradise to be discovered: vineyards of Lessona, the Baraggia with the village of the Ricetto di Candelo, the Bessa with its history and ancient gold mines, the hills around the Lake of Viverone, the paddy fields, the castles. Between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli, the hills of Bramaterra also host interesting routes for mountain bikes between the Rive Rosse, a special territory characterised by the reddish colour of the soil.