Biella Valsesia Vercelli

The Bessa gold mine: The cycle path of the Old Quarries

da Cerrione a Mongrando (6,00 km)
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Highlights and tour details

The Special Nature Reserve in  Bessa is 8 kilometers long and has an average width of one kilometer, it  is one of the most evocative archaeological sites in Piedmont. An  open-cast gold mine exploited by the ancient Romans between the second and the  first centuries BC, today presents a mysteriously fascinating landscape with an articulated network of paths between valleys rich in vegetation and pebble dunes up to 10 meters high. It is crossed by 3 cycle paths with a total length of approximately 10 km, mostly flat or with low gradients requiring moderate effort, suitable for the use of mountain bikes; excursions can be made along these routes, which are properly marked, in the spring and during autumn. The Vecchie Cave cycle path is a simple flat route on a dirt road that runs along the Elvo stream, starting from Cerrione parking area (260 m) and arriving in Mongrando, at Cave di Mongrando (310 m). No difficulties, stretches with slight uphills  and downhills with a  modest difference in height, the path base is  suitable for mtb.

 

Points of interest

Bessa’s  special Natural Reserve

Search for gold in the Elvo stream,  www.cercatoridoro.it

All tourist information is available on the Local Tourist Office of the Biellese website www.atl.biella.it

 

Departure, arrival and municipalities crossed
Departure
13882 Cerrione (BI)
Biella
see on map
Arrival
via Per Cerrione
Zona Cava Fiora
13888 Mongrando (BI)
Biella
see on map
Please note that the routes may include some sections where there is traffic.
The information contained in the pathways is not binding on the authors and verifiers of the pathways.