The best walks and hikes around Borgo Vercelli

The terrain around Borgo Vercelli is primarily characterized by flat agricultural plains, dominated by extensive rice fields and ancient irrigation canals. These areas offer easy, scenic walks. As you head north into the wider Vercelli province, the landscape gradually transitions to gentle hills and eventually to the Alpine peaks of Valsesia, providing a spectrum of hiking difficulties from easy strolls to more demanding mountain treks.

Yes, Borgo Vercelli offers a good selection of easy trails. Out of 47 available routes, 23 are classified as easy. These often traverse the quiet countryside and rice paddies with minimal elevation gain. An example is the Cathedral of Saint Eusebius – Amedeo Avogadro Monument loop from Billiemme, which is 6 km long and takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Hiking around Borgo Vercelli allows you to explore unique natural features. The vast rice fields create a distinctive 'checkered sea' landscape, especially when flooded. The Lame del Sesia Natural Park, along the Sesia River, offers a rich river environment with meanders, woods, and sandy areas. You might also encounter ancient irrigation canals, like the Roggia Bolgora, that crisscross the landscape.

Many of the easy trails in Borgo Vercelli are suitable for families, particularly those that are relatively flat and shorter in duration. The walks through the rice paddies and along the Sesia River within the Lame del Sesia Natural Park are generally accessible and offer pleasant, safe environments for children. Consider routes like the Former Church of Saint Victor – Fountain loop from Vercelli, which is an easy 5.7 km walk.

Yes, there are several circular routes available. These loops allow you to start and end at the same point, making them convenient for exploration. An example is the Cathedral of Saint Eusebius – Amedeo Avogadro Monument loop from Billiemme, which offers a pleasant 6 km walk through the countryside.

The best time to hike in Borgo Vercelli is often in spring when the rice fields are flooded, creating a magical reflective landscape. Autumn also offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful colors. Summer can be warm, but riverside walks provide some relief. Winter hiking is possible, but some paths might be less accessible depending on conditions.

The trails in Borgo Vercelli are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from over 30 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique scenery of the rice paddies, the peacefulness of the countryside, and the accessible paths along the Sesia River. The variety of routes, from easy strolls to more challenging treks, is also frequently appreciated.

Yes, the region is rich in history. Borgo Vercelli is traversed by significant pilgrim routes like the Via Francigena and the Eusebian Way. In nearby Vercelli, the Hospitale Sancti Eusebi provides a historical stop for pilgrims. You can also find historical architecture in villages like Olcenengo, surrounded by ancient irrigation canals.

There are over 45 hiking trails available around Borgo Vercelli, offering a diverse range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These include easy strolls through the rice fields, moderate riverside paths, and more challenging routes that extend into the broader Vercelli province.

While Borgo Vercelli itself is in a flat plain, the wider Vercelli province offers more challenging options as the terrain transitions to hills and mountains. For a more demanding route within the plain, consider the Novara Trail: Stage 3, a difficult 21.8 km trail that takes approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to complete, traversing the agricultural landscape.

Generally, dogs are welcome on many of the hiking trails in the Borgo Vercelli area, especially on paths through the open countryside and along the river. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, particularly in agricultural areas or near wildlife, and to respect local regulations. The flat terrain of many routes makes them suitable for walks with canine companions.

Yes, the Sesia River is a prominent natural feature in the area, and several trails follow its course. The Sesia River Crossing Walk (via Route 924) is a moderate 12.4 km path that offers direct views of the river and its natural environment within the Lame del Sesia Natural Park.