The trip to Biella
We start from Cuneo with campers around 18.45 and after various vicissitudes, and a rather unusual route (because the navigation system), which leads us to explore the hills around Chieri, we reach
Bielmonte and stop for the night just before the country 2 where the square is an area with well equipped for campers and water (3.50 euros x night).
Zegna Oasis
The day has been sunny, breezy and polished, so we can enjoy a magnificent view of Biella and the plain below.
Too bad it did not wake up soon, we already see the horizon where the summer heat up we could even spot the Monviso!
The square where we stopped, because of its exposure to wind, is the place where events take place related to "air" as paragliding, kite flying and model airplanes.
From this square and go up the
Zegna Panoramic
Bielmonte direction, crossing a few minutes later, where are visible the lifts now retired.
Our itinerary includes the first day of going to see the blooming rhododendrons in the Basin, along the Rhododendron Walk, just before Trivero.
As we descend the overview of the coniferous forests alternate with open spaces where you can enjoy a beautiful view and, behind a curve, we surprised the meeting with a tender venison there crosses the road a little hesitant. What a wonderful surprise!
At one point the pines and firs give way to cultivated rhododendrons and hydrangeas.
Unfortunately these plants already we realize that the flowering period is over.
Too bad, because it's really spectacular this road flanked by flowers in various shades of pink.
However, we descend to the path of rhododendrons, which we follow, however, since it is a nice walk in the countryside, on paved road.
It seems like a private garden so is the care with which it is maintained.
The first time I came here was the full flowering period (mid-late May) and I assure you that is spectacular! I recommend it, it's worth it.
After the short hike we climb the
Zegna Panoramic and we stop to Margosio nozzle.
This is also a place worth seeing because if there are not many clouds, lays down his life live on the Monte Rosa. As always the time of day is recommended early in the morning. We fail to see at least part of the chain before it disappears behind the clouds.
And 'We intend to follow some path to see Oasis this time, the flowering of wild rhododendrons that abound here.
In this case we are lucky, this year the winter lasted and flowering was delayed.
We, therefore, a piece of trail Rubello and then in the opposite direction, that of Fra Dolcino that leads us to Luvera nozzle.
What's nice of '
Zegna Oasis is that, despite mountainous area and the altitude is high and there are strenuous hikes just giving all the opportunity to stand still in the midst of nature and enjoy the scenery and the many patches of rhododendrons.
After lunch, we descend back along the Zegna Panoramic until Barbato and the nearby Shrine of Heath, Marian pilgrimage site, where we leave for another hike along the path leading to the Shrine Mazzucco.
Even this journey that takes place, at least in the first section, inside the wood is very nice and pleasant, equipped with information boards and also a route for the disabled.
Do not we walk around there too long and we would like to meet with friends to Oropa. So we stop at Capomosso and retrace our steps from there.
By visiting the Shrine of the Heath end our day at the Oasis of Bielmonte.
We definitely will return, when we again need to relax and recharge.
Now we head to Oropa where we stand in the new picnic area (well, water and 220 V, 11 x 24 euro / h), where we soon joined by our friends. "
We concede a walk to the sanctuary until a heavy rain forces us to separate and each take refuge in their fleet.
Ending the evening, we'll make the next day.
Mucrone lake excursion and visit to Oropa sanctuary
Even today we wake up with the weather and, therefore, as we discussed earlier, we leave for the hike to the lake Mucrone.
We follow the path that starts from behind the sanctuary and Chesal, in principle, through the woods, along river.
Near a chapel, the path back to the open mountain and continues with an acceptable slope, little tiring.
At one point the ascent we encounter a vast expanse of snow, residue huge landslide.
The passed without problems, with a bit of fun after the first initial fears. The snow is firm but not frozen.
After this little incident we take the path that quickly leads us to the little hut Rosazza.
After a brief stop and start again in no more than five minutes to reach the gondola that connects the neighbor Refuge Savona
Oropa.
We almost reached the lake. (1.30 h walk)
Within ten minutes, it will not have passed without another big band of snow!
How wonderful!
The lake is almost completely frozen and all around there is still a lot of snow.
Can not make the ride as we thought.
Quick lunch because starts to get cold and then falling to the valley.
We return to the camper just in time before it starts to rain, we rest, then go visit
Oropa Sanctuary .
Let's see the New Church and this collection of nativity in the vault, then the Old Church and the cloister.
Beautiful and intimate is the room of candles. We do not enter the museum, since it's almost closing time.
Back at the camper, we have dinner and then head towards home.
We spent a pleasant weekend in the mountains of Biella: We certainly will return!