An itinerary that offers a perfect balance between athletic performance and enjoyment of landscapes. It follows the banks of the enchanting Lago d’Orta in the first part and climbs up over the hills and ridges of the Biella Pre-Alps in the second.

Oasi Zegna Bielmonte – Orta (80 km)

Starting from the Piazzale in Bielmonte, the trail follows the Panoramica Zegna road, crossing the picturesque Rhododendron Bowl and on towards Valle Sessera. On reaching Borgosesia, it turns towards Varallo, but a little before this city it forks off onto a fairly demanding climb to a pass, the Passo della Colma (930 m).

Descending on the other side, Lago d’Orta soon comes into view. On reaching Omegna, the trail takes the panoramic road along the east bank of the lake to the destination, Orta, with views across its crystalline waters framed by the surrounding mountains.

Orta San Giulio: Pearl of the Lake

Included in the list of “Italy’s most beautiful villages”, Orta is completely pedestrianized and characterized by picturesque narrow alleys winding between centuries-old buildings and romantic views of the lake. From the main square, ferries take people to the famous Island of San Giulio, an architectural jewel sparkling in the waters of the lake. This tiny corner of paradise has numerous accommodation facilities.

Orta – Oasi Zegna Bielmonte (80 km)

After Orta, the trail continues along the east bank of the lake towards Gozzano before taking the road for the Passo della Cremosina (553 m), leading back down into Valsesia. Having crossed the Sesia, the trail returns to Valsessera.

After the township of Pray, the trail forks off from Valsessera towards Ponzone. Along this road is the Fabbrica della Ruota, a remarkable monument to Biella’s industrial archaeology characterized on the outside by the old wheels that used to transmit power to machinery.

From Crocemosso, the trail crosses the slopes of Bielmonte in continuous ups and downs leading into Valle Cervo at Andorno Micca. The route also crosses the spectacular Pistolesa Viaduct, nicknamed “Colossus” for its 152 meters in height and home to Italy’s first permanent bungee jumping center.

Return via the Valley of Mysteries

Going back up Valle Cervo there are numerous historic villages, one of which, Rosazza, “Italy’s most mysterious village”, deserves a visit on account of its enigmatic architecture and esoteric symbols that make it so unique.

The loop closes with the Panoramica Zegna road from Rosazza to Bielmonte. This is a gentle climb for most of the way, but not on the last kilometer after Bocchetto Sessera, with gradients of over 10%, a demanding but gratifying finale.