The trail begins in front of the Scopello-Mera chairlift arrival, where signs guide to Alpe Campo, initially on asphalt road through the village, then on dirt road. From here begins a gradual ascent on trail to Pian d’Asnin. At this point, route 2A meets number 2 (the Mera-Meggiana-Rassa bike path). Signs indicate to ride it in the opposite direction and then at the fork to turn left towards the village of Mera. This section is wide, scenic and almost flat until you reach Boschetto, where a quick descent brings you back to the starting point.

Directions to follow

Yellow signage with stylized cyclist and number 2a from the chairlift station to Alpe Campo and Pian d’Asnin. Yellow signage with stylized cyclist and number 2 from the Pian d’Asnin-cycleway 2 Mera-Meggiana-Rassa intersection (follow the directions in the opposite direction from that indicated by the arrows).

The official starting point is at the cemetery in Borgosesia, where you can park your car in the two large squares. Alternatively, it is possible to start from the city center. The route passes through the village of Caggi, travels along the road in the fields of Rozzo and Caneto, and enters the woods where it meets route 4a Guardabosone-Borgosesia. The two routes at this point become one, which, after crossing the entire forest, reaches the outskirts of Quarona in the Badia area.

After crossing SP 8 and the railroad footbridge, continuing north, you reach the town of Quarona.

From here, following the signs, you pass the sports field and reach the built-up area. Crossing SP 8 again, you take the road to Cilimo where, after about a kilometer, signs invite you to turn left. The path here is a charming cobblestone road that first runs alongside some small chapels and then enters the fields to Pianpresello.

The carriage road from Civiasco (SP 78) leads all the way to Varallo, to the Sacro Monte cable car departure station, through the most characteristic part of the town of Varallo and its historic districts.

From the square of Guardabosone, the route descends to Agnona via the Bocchetto road, crosses it and heads to Isolella and then crosses SP 299, the bridge over the Sesia and SP 8.From here, going up the small road of the old Isolella station, it reaches the village of Vanzone and enters a picturesque forest. where it joins up with route 4 Borgosesia-Varallo, with which it will share the rest of the route. After passing through the entire forest, it reaches the outskirts of Quarona in the Badia area. After crossing SP 8 and the railroad footbridge, continuing northward, it reaches the village of Quarona.

After a short stretch along SP 8, the route turns left, and passing through the innermost wards of the municipality, again passes the railroad tunnel and continues downhill on the dirt road toward the Sesia. Once you pass, passing underneath, the SP 299 overpass, you enter the woods leading to the industrial area of Roccapietra.

From here, following the signs, you pass the sports field and arrive in the built-up area. Crossing SP 8 again, you take the road to Cilimo where, after about a kilometer, signs invite you to turn left. The path here is a charming cobblestone road that first runs alongside some small chapels and then enters the fields to Pianpresello.

The carriage road from Civiasco (SP 78) leads all the way to Varallo, to the Sacro Monte cable car departure station, through the most characteristic part of the town of Varallo and its historic districts.

Departing from the Vercelli train station, follow the bike paths of Corso Italia, Corso Palestro and Viale Rimembranza until you leave the city, heading towards Cascina Vecchia, leaving the asphalt and skirting the airport runways. After reaching Cascina Torrione, leaving the dirt road, you reach Cascina Boschine, currently used in part by students of the Ferraris Agricultural Institute of Vercelli for educational and field research activities. You then cross the small hamlet of Carengo, passing Cascina Aramino and then Cascina Castellazzo and Cascina Ferla. Skirting the “roggia del molino,” we reach the vicinity of Larizzate where, taking Via Nino Bixio, we can observe the church of Maria SS. Assunta. From here comes a document, dated August 27, 1493, which, for the first time, reports the cultivation of rice in the Vercelli area. In the surroundings of the

town is a 12th-century castle of which, to this day, a portion of the wall and 2 towers remain. After passing Cascina Varola, through a grassy road that becomes a path, you first pass Cascina Angossa, then Cascina Angossetta. A short distance away is Cascina Boraso, an important example of a 19th-century farmstead that in 1932 became the primary headquarters of the Experimental Station for Rice Growing and Irrigated Cultivation. Return to town via Strada Olcenengo, then follow Via Gran Paradiso, Via Monviso until it crosses C.so Giovanni Gastaldi and returns to the starting point, in Piazza Roma, railway station area.

Recommended period: spring and autumn

Terrain type: dirt and asphalt

Departing from the Vercelli train station, follow the bike paths of Corso Italia, Corso Palestro and Viale Rimembranza until you leave the city, heading towards Cascina Vecchia, leaving the asphalt and skirting the airport runways. After reaching Cascina Torrione, leaving the dirt road, you reach Cascina Boschine, currently used in part by students of the Ferraris Agricultural Institute of Vercelli for educational and field research activities. You then cross the small hamlet of Carengo, passing Cascina Aramino and then Cascina Castellazzo and Cascina Ferla. Skirting the “roggia del molino,” we reach the vicinity of Larizzate where, taking Via Nino Bixio, we can observe the church of Maria SS. Assunta. From here comes a document, dated August 27, 1493, which, for the first time, reports the cultivation of rice in the Vercelli area. In the surroundings of the

town is a 12th-century castle of which, to this day, a portion of the wall and 2 towers remain. After passing Cascina Varola, through a grassy road that becomes a path, you first pass Cascina Angossa, then Cascina Angossetta. A short distance away is Cascina Boraso, an important example of a 19th-century farmstead that in 1932 became the primary headquarters of the Experimental Station for Rice Growing and Irrigated Cultivation. Return to town via Strada Olcenengo, then follow Via Gran Paradiso, Via Monviso until it crosses C.so Giovanni Gastaldi and returns to the starting point, in Piazza Roma, railway station area.

Recommended period: spring and autumn

Terrain type: dirt and asphalt

Departing from the Vercelli train station, follow the bike paths of Corso Italia, Corso Palestro and Viale Rimembranza until you leave the city, heading towards Cascina Vecchia, leaving the asphalt and skirting the airport runways. After reaching Cascina Torrione, leaving the dirt road, you reach Cascina Boschine, currently used in part by students of the Ferraris Agricultural Institute of Vercelli for educational and field research activities. You then cross the small hamlet of Carengo, passing Cascina Aramino and then Cascina Castellazzo and Cascina Ferla. Skirting the “roggia del molino,” we reach the vicinity of Larizzate where, taking Via Nino Bixio, we can observe the church of Maria SS. Assunta. From here comes a document, dated August 27, 1493, which, for the first time, reports the cultivation of rice in the Vercelli area. In the surroundings of the

town is a 12th-century castle of which, to this day, a portion of the wall and 2 towers remain. After passing Cascina Varola, through a grassy road that becomes a path, you first pass Cascina Angossa, then Cascina Angossetta. A short distance away is Cascina Boraso, an important example of a 19th-century farmstead that in 1932 became the primary headquarters of the Experimental Station for Rice Growing and Irrigated Cultivation. Return to town via Strada Olcenengo, then follow Via Gran Paradiso, Via Monviso until it crosses C.so Giovanni Gastaldi and returns to the starting point, in Piazza Roma, railway station area.

Recommended period: spring and autumn

Terrain type: dirt and asphalt

From Vercelli station, follow the bike lanes toward Corso Italia to Rione Cappuccini, then continue in the direction of Prarolo, skirting the bank of the Sesia River among poplar groves and rice paddies. At the fork, head toward Palestro to reach the famous “locks,” a series of jumps with which the Sesia River overcomes a drop of about 10 meters. After passing the hamlet of Pizzarrosto, continue to the village of Pezzana. Passing first Tenuta Valgioja and then Cascina Bellincontro, you reach Caresana, famous for the centuries-old tradition of the “Running of the Oxen,” shared with the neighboring municipality of Asigliano, which finds its origins in 1236 and whose origin is now attributed to the stage of return to the village that followed the procession in honor of St. George. Also noteworthy are the majestic parish church of San Matteo and the Church of San Giorgio with the chapel of the SS. Annunziata. Returning toward Pezzana, we

continue on to Prarolo, home to one of the best-preserved castles in the Vercelli area dating back to the end of the 14th century. Built by the Benedictines of the Abbey of Santo Stefano di Vercelli, it is characterized by a cylindrical tower and a quadrangular one with conspicuous machicolations. Also worth mentioning is the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, rebuilt in 1628 and enlarged in the early 20th century, which contains an 18th-century canvas originally painted by Beaumont. Particular then is the public fountain with its incessant jet, also known as the “chita mai.” To return to Vercelli, retrace the bike paths back to the starting point.

Recommended period: spring and autumn

Type of terrain: dirt and asphalt

From the Vercelli train station, take the Corso Gastaldi overpass and follow to Olcenengo and Casanova Elvo, where you can admire the pre-12th-century castle and the majestic Church of S. Martino in the main square. Follow to Formigliana, taking some time to observe the Monte Rosa Massif that frames the ancient farmsteads along the way. Crossing the Cervo stream, you continue on to Balocco, where you can admire the 15th-century castle and the Church of San Michele, inside which a triptych by Giovenone is preserved; you then pass through the villages of San Giacomo Vercellese and Rovasenda, respectively, to continue on to Gattinara. A stop here is a must, to visit the town and its surroundings, on whose hills the DOCG wine of the same name is produced. The town center features important historic-artistic buildings, such as the Parish of St. Peter, dating from the early medieval period, and the Castelle Tower, which dominates the town from the surrounding hills.

We continue the route by crossing the Sesia River and reaching Romagnano Sesia, passing to the left orographic bank, entering the territory of the Novara hills. Here in succession we encounter Ghemme, Sizzano and Fara, a hilly region producing excellent DOC wines. Approaching the Sesia again, we pass Carpignano and Landiona, to arrive at the towns of Recetto and San Nazzaro Sesia, which present, respectively, the historic village with its ancient castle and 13th-century walls and the Abbey of SS. Nazario and Celso, an example of medieval fortified abbeys, dating back to the 11th century. From here it continues past the towns of Villata and Borgo Vercelli, returning to the city of Vercelli.

Recommended period: spring and autumn

Terrain type: asphalt

This route is one of the variants found on the way to the Valdobbia Pass, leading to Alpe Larecchio, one of the most beautiful pastures in Valsesia. Its small lake surrounded by larch trees and the wide plateau crossed by the distinctive serpentine created by the passage of the Valdobbia stream make it a beloved and fascinating destination, especially during the colorful fall season!

To reach the starting point of this itinerary, from the village of Riva Valdobbia you walk along the paved carriage road to the hamlet of Ca’ di Janzo, continuing then always on the road (partially subjected to transit restrictions, during the summer season) to the hamlet of Sant’Antonio, where you can park your car (arrival point of the Ca di Janzo – Sant’Antonio summer shuttle).

Starting on foot on the dirt road past the houses and the hamlet’s small church, follow the old route to Aosta with the 201 marker. At the end of the dirt road you reach the hamlet of Peccia, with its characteristic Walser houses and beautiful small lake. Continuing on the path to the right that passes between the small houses, just beyond the small church of the Oratory of San Grato, you pass the old Napoleonic-era bridge (reachable in about an hour from Sant’Antonio).

Then take the path that climbs to the right toward La Montata, 1638m, then reaches the two huts of Alpe Tecchiale, and climbs to the little Lancone chapel, 1739m. Further up, inside the larch forest, you reach the junction with the mule track to Colle Valdobbia, which you leave on the right. Then continue left along a good path in the larch forest that soon leads to Alpe Larecchio, 1895m (about 2 hours in total), a splendid and picturesque alpine pasture, which houses a farmhouse.

The origin of the name derives precisely from the many larch trees that surround the alp: one of these large trees stands on a large rock in the center of the basin, from which one can enjoy the special view of the wide plateau. Following the particular path of the small stream that crosses the alp, one can reach the charming little lake located a little higher up.

From the farm building, you can climb up to Pian del Celletto, at about 2100m (0.30-2.45 hours), where you will find the 201 trail leading to Ospizio Sottile again.

Leaving the village of Rimasco, just after the church of Santa Croce, cross the Egua stream and arrive at Sponde del Lago. Proceed as you enter a deciduous forest and in about 45 minutes you reach Pian della Ratta, 1140m, the arrival station of the chairlift and starting point of the fun summer bobsleigh, with the Alpe Campo Refuge.

Try the adrenaline-pumping fun bobsled on rails, ideal for a fun-filled day!

You cross the shelf keeping to the left and then climb up the edge of the Vecchia meadow to enter the woods and ascend it to come out in the vicinity of the Alpe Pianali hut, 1360m. You keep to the edge of the forest and shortly afterwards return, turning left, thus arriving at Alpe Campo, 1390m.

Wanting to continue the itinerary beyond the alp, turn right up the slope and reach a saddle on the slopes of Cima Castello. Following the ridge to the right to the summit of the hump, at Siunal, at an altitude of 1492m, you have a magnificent view of Monte Rosa, Tagliaferro and the entire Sermenza Valley.

This route partly coincides with the “Art Trail.” It touches on pretty hamlets and numerous oratories to arrive at the charming mountain shrine of Madonna del Balmone.

The itinerary starts from the village of Cervatto,1002m, traveling by road, approximately in 15 minutes, along Route 501 to Giavina, 1033m.

Here you start walking along the mule track on the right. You pass under the Consolata Oratory and shortly arrive at the small hamlet of Orlino, 1101m. Here several are the characteristic houses developed on many floors so as to make the most of the modest building area.

You then pass by where the church dedicated to St. Martin stands and enter the forest on a continuous ascent among oaks, firs and beeches to reach the small church of Saints Peter and Paul, 1184m.

One enters the valley dominated by Punta Castello, 2096m, then climbs gently there finding oneself in a short time in the meadows of the hamlet Taponaccio, 1236m. Crossing the surrounding meadows, the trail continues uphill and arrives, preceded by a characteristic renovated hut, at the sanctuary of Madonna del Balmone, dedicated to the Madonna of Oropa.

A beautiful trail leading to Alpe Sacchi, a scenic valley directly overlooking the Cusian side, with memorable views of Lake Orta.

The trail begins immediately upstream from one of the hamlets of Camasco, 756 m, Corte. Crossing the bridge, you skirt a fence following a track that leads to the ford of a stream. Arriving at a pasture area, take a left and climb a clearing. The trail proceeds through the forest until you reach Alpe Rüsi, at an elevation of 1100m. You then continue across the dirt road that climbs cutting across the slope to reach Sella delle Sacche, 1296m. Continuing, you then descend briefly to the road coming from Morondo.

Follow the road and you will soon reach Alpe Sacchi, 1230m, where there is a wonderful view of Lake Orta, the mountains of Cusio, Ossola and Ticino, and even a glimpse of the Lombard Pre-Alps.

Alpe Sacchi can also be reached by a paved road from Varallo via Morondo.

Following the ridge northward, one can reach by a route partly on a dirt road and partly on a path, in about half an hour, the Colle del Ranghetto, 1272m.

The itinerary connects Varallo to Sacro Monte and the scenic peak of Monte Tre Croci, along an evocative loop trail of great artistic and religious interest. It was realized in honor of Father Giovanni Gallino (1921-1986), a great figure of educator and founder of GRIM (Gruppo Ragazzi in Montagna).

The itinerary begins in Varallo, 450m, near the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie just after the cable car to Sacro Monte. You take an almost level lane to the right that shortly after climbs to the little church of Our Lady of the Heart and then reaches the entrance square of the splendid Sacro Monte of Varallo, 612m. You cross it on a pleasant climb to take a right onto the mule track located after the guides’ kiosk.

You follow the path until you reach the carriage road. Cross it and climb up the path that leads to the right to an impressive viewpoint and the small church of Cucco. Then proceed uphill taking the path that climbs to the left, and at a junction keep left until you reach the Sasei viewpoint, from where there are views of the Mastallone Valley, Varallo and Sacro Monte.

Next, taking the path that climbs steeply into the woods, you reach the summit of Mount Tre Croci, 919m (also reachable from the aforementioned fork by taking a steeper path). From this mountain, characterized by three high crosses, there is a fabulous view of Varallo and the surrounding mountains.

Continuing northward for a stretch on the ridge, you descend to the carriage road near the oratory of Gerbidi. Continuing to the right, you arrive, in about 20 minutes, at the hamlet of Verzimo, 743m.

Just before the church on the left, take the path steeply downhill through the woods that grazes an alpine pasture and reaches the dirt road that approaches a beautiful stream. You then reach the ruined oratory of San Pantaleone.

At last you return to the carriage road near the “Buzzo Bridge,” and staying to the left, along the road, in a few hundred meters you return to the starting point.

The trail begins in the village of Quarona, 406m, more precisely near the Chapel of the Blessed Panacea located on Via Lanzio. You turn left and flank the Prato della Valle. You reach the road that enters the “fossil” valley between Mount Tucri and Poggio Roncacci and Pianale. (On the left you can see the climbing wall “Falesia del Laghetto”).

You leave Cascina Barone on the left and Mount Tucri Route 732 on the right to reach the bottom of the little valley, where there is the lower resurgence of lake waters. Continue up a steep scree slope, and reach the point where a large boulder known as “Sass dij Strij e d’Ava Corna” is visible. , witche’s stone and water gushing from the boulder, under which the upper resurgence of the lake flows out.

We continue on the trail until we reach St. Augustine’s Lake, also known as the “Toad Lake.” In fact, the time when the toads “meet” in the waters of the lake for mating (usually in the weeks before Easter), attracts several visitors!

Wanting to continue further, from the trailhead at the lake, keeping to the left, route 624a starts, which on the west shore climbs to the few remains of the Castello d’Arian and then descends to the opposite end of the lake.

Coasting to the right along the reflecting pool first on a scree, then in the woods, you can reach St. Augustine’s Chapel, 510m, where a picnic area has been set up. With a stretch in common with this route, you descend following the comfortable paved mule track to Roccapietra, 440m.

A pleasant walk along an elegant cobbled mule track will tell you the story of “Blessed Panacea,” a local legend, through several small chapels with paintings by Lino Tosi depicting highlights of the Blessed’s life. The cult for the Valsesian shepherdess is deeply felt by the community, and is remembered every year through various initiatives and events of the tradition.

The walk begins in the village of Quarona, 406m, more precisely near the Chapel of the Blessed Panacea located in via Lanzio. One almost immediately takes the comfortable mule track and the climb proceeds in hairpin bends passing two votive pillars, arriving in about twenty minutes at the Church of San Giovanni al Monte, a national monument. Historian Ottone believes it is one of the oldest churches in the Novarese area. Studies carried out during restoration in 1952 showed that the oldest part of the church rests on the remains of a Roman construction, as the tombs that were discovered would suggest. The churchyard until about 1600 served as the cemetery of the religious communities of Quarona, Cavaglia, Breia, Cadarafagno, and Castagnea. On the terrace in front of the church, on the other hand, one can admire the knotty, centuries-old hornbeam trees.

The mule track climbs further past the church and after passing several small chapels reaches the Church of the Beata al Monte, 616m, erected on the site of the martyrdom of the shepherdess Panacea.

On the side of the church continues the path that steeply reaches the southern ridge of the summit of Mount Tucri, 791m, characterized by dense vegetation.

Just before the summit, climbing past the Church of the Beata al Monte, one reaches instead a vantage point that acts as a balcony over the town of Quarona, the surrounding mountains and most of Lower Valsesia.

The route begins near the square of the church of San Matteo in the hamlet of Cellio Con Breia, Carega, 607m, where it also meets route 747 (Borgosesia-Monte Briasco).

Proceed following the paved road and, keeping to the right, cross the village center. When you reach the crossroads with two fountains, keep right with the ascent coming out on the carriage road near the aqueduct storage tank. Keeping to the right on the road to Casaccia, 670m, continue climbing until you reach the small church dedicated to the Name of Mary. Arriving at some houses above, take the mule track to the right and continue until you reach the stone bridge over the Rio di Robbia. From here the mule track begins to climb in hairpin bends and takes us in about 40 minutes to Agarla, at an altitude of 770m. Crossing the square we enter the village passing the oratory of Saints Lorenzo and Apollonia and come out near an unpaved road.

Keeping to the left you enter the carriage road and follow it past the church of San Rocco. Then leaving the road that descends to Breia shortly afterwards on the right, you reach Sella di San Bernardo, 857m.
You can also reach San Bernardo by car by following the carriage roads coming from Cellio or the village of Quarona.
Before the little church, below the restaurant, take the wide dirt road on the left and climb up the road that bypasses on the southern slope Mount Three Crosses of Breia and continuing the route, you gain Mount San Grato, 914m, where there is a pretty little church surrounded by woods.

Mt. San Grato can also be reached from the hamlet of Rozzo di Borgosesia, following the somewhat more strenuous trail No. 745, which arrives just in front of the church.