FOREST OF SMILE AND ARTIGNAGA CABINS
Easy excursion for the whole family with a touch of magic thanks to the fairy tales of the SMILING WOOD. The excursion, in the evocative context of the Zegna Oasis, starts from the Bocchetto Sessera, winds through beech and pine forests, leads to the small building of the Hermitage of Maria and finally leads to the characteristic pasture of the Artignaga Cabins, with large meadows and a suggestive surroundings. Possibility of refreshment in the nearby mountain pastures (Montuccia and Moncerchio), in Bocchetto Sessera and Bielmonte
The Smiling Wood is a true experiential journey among the trees, smells and sounds of the unspoilt nature of the Alta Val Sessera. A unique experience also for children: three evocative rest areas are dedicated to them set up with stone seats and large books in scented cedar wood, on which you can read the Fairy Tales of the Woods inspired by Steiner’s philosophy and the three most common trees in those places.
more information
Monte Barone
In about 3 hours of walking you reach the symbolic peak of Val Sessera, at 2044 meters a.s.l., from which you can enjoy a fabulous 360° panorama, from Monviso to Gran Paradiso, from Monte Rosa to the big cities of the plain. Going up you come across two refuges: the first, the Ciota, at m. 1226, and then the Monte Barone Refuge at m. 1587, about two hours after departure.
more information
Lago della Vecchia
From the village of Piedicavallo in Valle Cervo in about 2.30 hours you reach the Lago della Vecchia refuge at 1872 meters. From the lake it is possible to reach Colle della Vecchia with an easy mule track, at an altitude of 2187 (about 1 hour from the lake), from which you can observe a splendid view of the Biella area and the Aosta Valley
maggiori informazioni
Mombarone di Graglia
Along a well-marked and popular path, in about 3.30 hours of walking from the hill of San Carlo di Graglia you reach the summit, 2371 meters high, which represents one of the most panoramic points in the Biella area and is located just 5 minutes from the welcoming refuge Mombarone, where it is possible to rest and eat after the ascent.
maggiori informazioni
BANDA VEJA-BANDA SOULIA
A path that leads to discover the most beautiful villages in Valle Cervo, revealing their history, nature and most hidden treasures. It can be covered in one day by an average trained hiker, or in two days for a slower walker, and does not present any particular difficulties. Banda Veja and Banda Soulia are the names of the two slopes (banda) of the valley which flow into the Cervo torrent. The most shaded part is the Veja, the most in the sun is the Soulia. With a vertical drop of about 300 metres, between 700 and 1000 meters a. s. l. the path also leads to the majestic Sanctuary of San Giovanni, where it is possible to eat and stay overnight.
maggiori informazioni
THE WAY TO OROPA
Four days of walking from Santhià to Oropa to discover the scenic, historical and cultural beauties of the Biella area: from the plain towards the Serra hill, up to the Biella Alps and the famous complex of the Sanctuary of Oropa. Along its route you will also meet the smaller but suggestive Sanctuary of Graglia. The itinerary can be covered in short stages (from 15.1 to 17.4 km) of increasing difficulty. This formula is the ideal solution for those who have never tackled an itinerary in stages: it can be seen as a “training journey”, to prepare for other great paths, such as the Via Francigena or the Camino de Santiago.
maggiori informazioni