Erratic Boulder of the Bessa – Viona Stream, Mongrando loop from Occhieppo Inferiore
Erratic Boulder of the Bessa – Viona Stream, Mongrando loop from Occhieppo Inferiore
20
riders
Erratic Boulder of the Bessa – Viona Stream, Mongrando loop from Occhieppo Inferiore
01:37
25.5km
230m
Gravel riding
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Area contigua Riserva Naturale Spina Verde
Riserva Naturale Spina Verde
Riserva naturale della Bessa
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
7.72 km
Borriana
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.64 km
Footbridge over the Elvo River, Borriana
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.6 km
Elvo Stream Marsh
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
13.1 km
View of the Dirt Path to Vermogno
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
14.1 km
Vermogno Picnic Area
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
14.3 km
Erratic Boulder of the Bessa
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
14.3 km
Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site
Highlight • Natural Monument
It is located between Biella and Ivrea, included in the municipalities of Borriana, Cerrione, Mongrando and Zubiena, on the orographic right of the Elvo stream. It is part of the Serra moraine, considered the largest in Europe.
A lunar appearance, with large mounds placed together like desert dunes, made up of stones of various sizes. Between one pile and another, curtains of often impenetrable plants and bushes. This is the aspect that one perceives when entering the Bessa Nature Reserve for the first time, established in 1985. But the charm of Bessa also lies in its history.
One thing is now certain. This entire large territory, almost ten square kilometers, has been entirely modified in its appearance by the work of thousands of men.
These were the Ictimuli - or Vittimuli - who inhabited a large part of the Biella area over two thousand years ago. Led and exploited by the Romans between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. they transformed the Bessa into one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world.
Traces of this immense work remain in the mounds, erected by piling up the stones discarded during the excavation.
Source: atl.biella.it/localita-dettaglio/-/d/riserva-speciale-della-bes-1
Translated by Google •
Tip by
18.7 km
Viona Stream, Mongrando
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
21.4 km
Area contigua Riserva Naturale Spina Verde
Nature Reserve
25.5 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
10.9 km
9.34 km
3.74 km
1.51 km
Surfaces
11.4 km
8.50 km
5.36 km
204 m
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Elevation
Highest point (420 m)
Lowest point (270 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 8 July
31°C
22°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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