The best running trails around Lake Sirio

Lake Sirio in the summer is a real gem. Lush nature on the edge of the lake with the possibility of running or walking for about 3 km around it, including a short stretch of dirt. For swimming enthusiasts there is an embarrassment of choice because of all 5 morainic lakes in the area of the 5 lakes, this is the largest in terms of extension. The stretch that I have defined is a lap that touches the landing stage of the private rowing club, goes around the yellow buoys for the entire lake in the parts close to the banks. From mid-April (for the more daring with a wetsuit) until the end of September the temperatures allow swimming. I strongly recommend everyone to swim, however always bringing with them a floating buoy or a board with a belt tied around their waist.

It is a unique place of its kind. In a rather small and circumscribed area 2 steps from the Montalto lake (also called "Rabbit" lake) there is an area with a very dark soil composed of water, peat, earth and medium-sized trees. Especially when the ground is wet or it has rained previously if you jump on the surface, it moves creating small waves making the surrounding trees dance. A real show! You can reach the dancing lands from 2 different dirt tracks. For those with good technical skills the entry or exit paths in both directions are also fun to pedal.

Regardless of whether you reach the Serra di Ivrea or not, even wandering around these lakes, taking advantage of the good signage present, pays off! There is a nice variety of environments and paths, from single track to dirt road, ending on cobblestone sections, never too banal, especially in the wet... the lake environments are beautiful, given that most of these lakes are not very urbanized, the stilt houses rebuilt on the shore of Lake Pistono are very beautiful, they certainly deserve a stop. Places also suitable for children, given that in the lake area the differences in altitude are very modest... just watch out for hikers, because the paths are open to everyone!

Located on the border between the municipalities of Chiaverano and Ivrea, in the Canavese area, Lake Sirio is home to the historic Canottieri Sirio Society, founded in 1887, and reaches a depth of almost 45 metres.

In this beautiful peat bog in Montaldo Dora there is a very particular natural phenomenon, which gives the place its name. The Terre Ballerine are in fact called this way because of the particular consistency of the ground, which makes those who walk on it feel like they are walking on a mattress.

Bring mosquito repellent.

This little church was dedicated to Saint Peter. Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he was called by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men" together with his brother Andrew. According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle, and the two thousand year long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successors. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Chapter 16, Verse 19). Peter is also known together with Paul as the "prince of the apostles"; their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th.

It's more about commuting than MTB routes on asphalt, but it's always a pleasure to pass by. The view is splendid!