The project allowed to monitor and map 3 cycle-tourism rings
BY BIKE IN THE HEART OF BARAGGIA BETWEEN HISTORY AND CULTURE
Length: 24 km
Difference in altitude: 280 m
Difficulty: easy
Period: from April to October
Link: the heart of the Baraggia between history and nature
This suggestive circular route starts from Piazza del Ricetto in Candelo, one of the best preserved medieval villages in Italy. After a short ride, we immerse ourselves in the quiet of the Roggia della Marchesa, a watercourse that gently accompanies the first stretch of the route, among lush vegetation and the sounds of nature.
From here, the route enters the extraordinary Baraggia Nature Reserve – the Biella savannah – an area of unique charm that, with its almost African landscape and its open expanses, offers a breathtaking view of the Biella Alps. Cycling along its paths means living an immersive experience between uncontaminated nature and spectacular views.
Continuing, we reach one of the most fascinating stops: the Castellengo Castle, an elegant historic residence surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. Here, time seems to have stopped, offering a suggestive glimpse of history and tradition.
The return journey takes us once again through stretches of Baraggia alternating with hay meadows, in a perfect mix of wild nature and agricultural landscape, until we return to the starting point in Candelo, thus closing an itinerary that combines history, nature and breathtaking views.
A perfect route for those who love to discover the area on a bike, among ancient villages, ricetti and unique natural scenery!
Hospitality
DISCOVERING THE ELVO VALLEY
Length: 23 km
Difference in altitude: 450 m
Difficulty: challenging
Period: from April to October
Link: Discovering the Elvo Valley
The route starts from the heart of Mongrando, right from the town square. After the first few meters of pedaling, we immediately find ourselves in front of a splendid view of the Elvo Valley, which anticipates the variety of landscapes that will accompany us along the entire ring.
The climb begins gently and if you want you can make a short detour towards the Bosco del Vallino, a little-known but very suggestive green corner. You then cross a particularly beautiful wooded stretch, but with an uneven surface: be careful on humid days, in some places it may be necessary to push the bike for about 200-300 meters.
Back on the asphalt, you continue crossing a historic washhouse, in front of which a small community library accompanies the passage with a touch of poetry.
We thus arrive in Muzzano, where the famous giant bench welcomes us with an exceptional view of Mount Mucrone, the Elvo Valley and the nearby B&B Cascina Serra.
The ride continues halfway up the hill on asphalt, with splendid views of the mountains and the Sanctuary of Graglia. You then cross Casale Gatto, where you can stop at the Elvo Brewery.
Once you reach Netro, you pass near the Ecomuseum on iron processing. From here the surface changes: the dirt road begins that crosses the Mulin ‘dla Sareja and climbs along a short challenging segment, where you may need to get off the bike for a stretch.
Following part of the dam trail, we get closer and closer to the Serra Morenica, the longest in Europe, pedaling among wild and silent views. Finally, we return to the asphalt for the last descent that gently takes us back to Mongrando, closing a ring of rare beauty.
A varied and engaging itinerary, among nature, villages, stories and local flavors: ideal for those looking for an authentic cycling experience, with some challenges and many surprises.
ON THE TRAIL OF TRANSHUMANCE BETWEEN VALLEYS, ALPINE PASTURES AND VIEWS
Length: 23 km
Difference in altitude: 450 m
Difficulty: challenging
Period: from April to October
Link: Discovering the Cervo Valley
The route begins in Andorno Micca and, after briefly crossing the town, you immediately leave the asphalt behind you to immerse yourself in the woodland paths that lead to Locato Superiore, immediately offering an immersive experience of nature and silence.
Dirt stretches alternate with secondary asphalt roads, crossing Callabiana.
A panoramic detour leads us to the Camandona Dam, a body of water nestled between the mountains, before reaching the Sanctuary of Mazzucco, a spiritual place immersed in the woods.
Here begins one of the most fascinating sections of the route: the Strada della Transumanza, an ancient path used by shepherds to climb to the mountain pastures, which takes us to the Bocchetto Sessera, the gateway to the Oasi Zegna. The panorama opens onto the Biella mountains and the wide and wild Alta Val Sessera, offering one of the most evocative moments of the itinerary.
Then begins a technical but very rewarding descent, on a single track that crosses the woods of Monte Casto, one of the areas most loved by bikers in the area for its trails immersed in nature.
The trail takes us to the asphalt road in the Cascina degli Eremiti area, from which we then take a path that descends gently towards Andorno Micca, thus closing a perfect ring between challenging climbs, panoramic descents, local history and breathtaking landscapes.
An experience recommended for those who love true mountain biking, the slow rhythms of the mountains, and the routes that tell the story of the territory step by step, or rather, pedal stroke after pedal stroke.