The best traffic-free bike rides around Borgosesia

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Borgosesia featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of moderate and challenging rides, ensuring there's something for various fitness levels.

The no-traffic gravel routes around Borgosesia traverse a diverse landscape, from the lower valley's woods to hilly dirt roads. You'll encounter a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, characteristic of the Valsesia region's lush nature and alpine scenery. Expect varied gradients, with some routes featuring significant elevation gains, while others offer more moderate profiles.

While many routes in the region can be challenging, this guide includes routes suitable for good fitness levels. For a moderately challenging ride with less extreme elevation, consider the Torre del Pretorio – Sesia River loop from Prato Sesia, which covers about 30 km with manageable climbs. Another moderate option is the Castelle Tower – Trail to Gattinara loop from Lozzolo, offering a 22 km ride with gentle elevation.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by interesting landmarks. You might encounter historical structures like the Torre del Pretorio or enjoy panoramic vistas of the Sesia River. The broader Valsesia region is known for its natural beauty, including glimpses of alpine landscapes. While not directly on every route, some trails offer distant views of significant natural features like Monte Fenera or even Lake Orta.

Yes, all the no-traffic gravel bike trails featured in this guide are circular routes, designed to bring you back to your starting point. This makes planning your ride convenient, whether you're looking for a shorter loop like the Castelle Tower – Trail to Gattinara loop from Lozzolo or a longer adventure.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Borgosesia, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Riders frequently praise the quiet, car-free nature of the trails, the diverse and beautiful landscapes, and the opportunity to explore the Valsesia region away from traffic. The blend of challenging climbs and scenic descents is often highlighted as a key draw.

The Valsesia region, including Borgosesia, is generally pleasant for gravel biking from spring through autumn. Spring offers lush greenery and blooming landscapes, while autumn provides vibrant fall colors. Summer can be warm, but higher elevation routes or early morning rides can be enjoyable. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a significant challenge, routes like the Novareia Sanctuary – Zegna Panoramic Road loop from Coggiola offer substantial elevation gains over 38 km. Another demanding option is the Camasco Village – Hairpin bends of Passo della Colma loop from Varallo Sesia, which features nearly 800 meters of climbing over 27 km, providing a rewarding workout with stunning views.

Starting points for these routes, such as Prato Sesia, Coggiola, Varallo Sesia, and Lozzolo, are typically small towns or villages. While specific dedicated parking lots for each trail may vary, you can generally find public parking available within these localities. It's advisable to check local maps or satellite views for parking options near your chosen starting point.

While Borgosesia itself is not directly on a major lake, some routes from the broader Valsesia region offer panoramic views of Lake Orta. For example, routes originating from Borgosesia can lead to challenging rides with stunning lake vistas. The region's natural beauty extends to nearby areas like Pella on Lake Orta, which is a notable highlight.

Given the varied terrain and potential for significant elevation, it's essential to be well-prepared. We recommend bringing plenty of water, snacks, a repair kit (including spare tubes, pump, and multi-tool), appropriate clothing layers for changing weather, a helmet, and a fully charged phone with the komoot app for navigation. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also advisable.

Yes, for those looking for a longer ride, the Giant goblet – Sesia River loop from Prato Sesia offers a substantial 61 km journey. While its elevation gain is moderate, the distance provides a great endurance challenge through varied landscapes along the Sesia River.