The environment and hiking trails
The entire Upper Cervo Valley presents a particular orographic conformation, clearly evident by observing the large number of valleys that branch off from the main valley. This characteristic makes it possible to carry out various interesting circular excursions, ascending one valley and descending another, or linking them with panoramic routes along mountain ridges or crossings halfway up the mountainside. Thanks to the accommodation available in the various mountain lodges, itineraries lasting even two or more days can be studied, map in hand.
The Upper Cervo Valley area is also crossed by a historic route of international importance: the Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA) (a long-distance hiking trail), which passes entirely through the municipality of Piedicavallo. Both the plants and animals that can be observed along the route will surprise you with their beauty in what is a unique natural environment.
The best time for excursions is from May to November, although some routes can also be covered in the winter months. Various iconographic panels, which indicate the various hiking routes, are located in the car parks at the starting points of the various trails. Appropriate maps should nevertheless be used to follow the various itineraries. Below are some proposals.
The walk starts in Piedicavallo, in the Ravere park. After crossing the characteristic Coda bridge over the Cervo torrent, the route follows the beautiful E40-GTA trail, towards the Madonna della Neve mountain lodge at Selle di Rosazza. Here scenic views can be enjoyed of Piedicavallo and the peaks and valleys at the head of the Cervo Valley. The trail then continues up to the Madonna della Neve church, at an altitude of 1480 metres. On average, the walk takes about one hour and thirty minutes.
Another interesting excursion is to the Lago della Vecchia (the Old Woman’s Lake) and lodge and then to the Colle della Vecchia (the Old Woman’s Hill) at an altitude of 2187 metres. This is a very beautiful and easy route, especially up to the lake. It winds along the left side of the Cervo torrent, passing entirely through the namesake valley along the beautiful old mule track connecting Piedicavallo with Gaby in the Gressoney valley. Along the route, just 20 minutes from Piedicavallo, is the ancient mountain village of Rosei, with the oratory of San Quirico. Following the E50 path leading to the Colle della Vecchia, the mountain lodge can be reached in less than 3 hours. It is owned by the “La Bürsch” mountain community and has a sleeping capacity of 20. The Lago della Vecchia is both beautiful and fascinating.
On the right-hand side of the small café-kiosk in the Ravere park, starts a path which, having crossed the playground area, begins a moderately steep climb up the left side of the Cervo torrent. Not far along this path is the Pianlin area. Another not-to-be-missed destination, not far from the town, is the Cervo torrent waterfall.
From here, by following the entire Irogna valley along the E41 trail, the Tourrison pass can be reached, at an altitude of 2340 metres and more experienced hikers can continue up to the summit of Mount Cresto at an altitude of 2546 metres. From here, following the mountain ridge, the return can be made to the Colle della Vecchia via the Tote Pass.
The E60 trail leading to the Mologna Grande pass and the Rivetti lodge, located at an altitude of 2150 metres, can be reached in about three hours from Piedicavallo. It is owned by the Biella branch of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) and is open from June to October and offers sleeping accommodation for 50 people. The route to the Rivetti lodge starts in Piedicavallo from Piazza dal Cravi (Goat Square).
The trail winds its way past some of Piedicavallo’s most picturesque mountain villages in the localities of Muntè and Alpe Piane, where characteristic rural houses and beautiful little churches can be seen. This is an evocative route of great naturalistic interest.
From Montesinaro, near the cemetery, various other trails begin, leading to Mount Bo’ at an altitude of 2556 metres, from where one of the most beautiful views in the entire Biella area can be enjoyed, and to the Padre Antoniotti bivouac. The upper Chiobbia valley, which culminates with Mount Bo’, is a Site of Community Interest (SCI) of the European Natura 2000 network called “Val Sessera”. Along the E70 signposted route are the mountain hamlets of Pianlin; places of charming beauty which include the beautiful little church of the Madonna della Neve and a short distance away, at an altitude of 1320 metres, the characteristic old village of Piane di Montesinaro. From here, visitors can enjoy truly unique views in a pristine natural environment!
So enjoy your excursions, in a unique setting where the blue of the sky meets the green of the land, with the spectacular rural settlements which recount the history and life of these valleys!
