THE FOREST OF SMILE AND THE ARTIGNAGA TEGGE
Easy hike for the whole family with a touch of magic thanks to the fairy tales of the Bosco del Sorriso. The hike, in the suggestive context of the Oasi Zegna, starts from the Bocchetto Sessera, winds through beech and pine forests, leads to the small building of the Eremo di Maria and finally leads to the characteristic mountain pasture of Tegge Artignaga, with large meadows and a suggestive surrounding area. Possibility of refreshments in the nearby mountain pastures (Montuccia and Moncerchio), in the structures of the Bocchetto Sessera and of Bielmonte. The Bosco del Sorriso is a true experiential walk among trees, smells and sounds of the uncontaminated nature of the Alta Val Sessera. A unique experience for children too: three suggestive rest areas are dedicated to them, set up with stone seats and large books made of scented cedar wood, on which you can read the Tales of the Woods inspired by Steiner’s philosophy and the three most common trees in those places.
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Mount Barone
In about 3 hours of walking you reach the symbolic peak of Val Sessera, at 2044 meters above sea level, from which you can enjoy a fabulous 360° panorama, from Monviso to Gran Paradiso, from Monte Rosa to the large cities of the plain. Going up you come across two refuges: the first, the Ciota, at 1226 m, and then the Rifugio Monte Barone at 1587 m, about two hours from the start.
Lake della Vecchia
from the village of Piedicavallo in Valle Cervo in about 2.30 hours you can reach the Lago della Vecchia refuge at 1872 meters. From the lake it is possible to reach the Colle della Vecchia, at 2187 meters (about 1 hour from the lake), with an easy mule track, from which you can observe a splendid view of the Biella area and the Aosta Valley
Graglia’ Mombarone
Along a well-marked and frequented path, in about 3.30 hours of walking from the hill of San Carlo di Graglia you reach the summit, 2371 metres high, which represents one of the most panoramic points of the Biella area and is located just 5 minutes from the welcoming Mombarone refuge, where you can refresh yourself after the climb
BANDA VEJA-BANDA SOULIA
A path that leads to the discovery of some of the most beautiful villages in the Cervo Valley, revealing their history, nature and hidden treasures. It can be done in a day by an averagely trained hiker, or in two days for a slower walk, and does not present any particular difficulties. Banda Veja and Banda Soulia are the names of the two sides (banda) of the valley that flow into the Cervo stream. The shadiest part is the Veja, the sunniest one is the Soulia. With a difference in altitude of about 300 meters, between 700 and 1000 meters above sea level, the path also leads to the majestic Sanctuary of San Giovanni, where it is possible to refresh and spend the night, such as in the historic residence La Bursh in Campiglia Cervo
FROM ROSAZZA TO GRAGLIASCA HILL
The trail is challenging and has historical value as it was built as a connecting path from the Cervo Valley to the Aosta Valley.
There are several rock carvings along the trail that celebrate the female figure, the Siunera, who collected and transported in heavy panniers the siun, a grass with which, in addition to feeding the livestock, they padded the beds and pillows. Along the mule track you can admire high reliefs of female faces and rock carvings with greetings and good wishes engraved in the rocks; shelters carved into the rocks; stone seats to allow rest; paved fords at the streams.
THE OROPA PATH
Western variant
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 morainica, up to the Biella Alps and the famous complex of the Oropa Sanctuary.
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Eastern variant
Technical and challenging, it is more similar to a trekking itinerary than a walk. It can be done in two directions: starting from Valle Mosso, crossing Valle Cervo and finally reaching the Sanctuary of Oropa or it can be considered a continuation of the journey for those arriving from Oropa after having done either the Cammino della Serra or the Cammino Canavesano.
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