"Iron and Fire" Geological and Historical Itinerary Between Vigezzo Valley and Cannobina Valley

The hiking route called “Of Iron and Fire – a historical geological itinerary between the Vigezzo Valley and the Cannobina Valley” develops between the municipalities of Villette, Re, and Cursolo Orasso. The itinerary starts from Isella (620 m above sea level), on the road that descends from Re to the border of Ponte Ribellasca. From the Isella parking lot, cross the state road and take the path (VBAM22) that leads up to Alpe Vaccareggio (travel time 1 hour) near the river of Ferro. From the alpe, continue on the same path, which crosses dense beech forests, until reaching the Alpe Alpino (1273 m above sea level - travel time 1 hour 25 minutes) where there is a shelter for rest. Along the route, it’s possible to see the ancient furnaces for iron processing (in the valley of Ferro in the municipality of Re), the woods exploited for coal production that fed the furnaces and the war industry (presence of charcoal fields), and the minerals used for iron extraction. Additionally, there are significant geological features, particularly the boundary line between the European continent and the African continent along the so-called Canavese line, which is encountered along the route. After leaving Alpe Alpino, take the path (VBAS18) that ascends towards Monte Torrigia, passing beneath the rocks of Gridone. The itinerary progresses on some rock sections, which are well marked and require attention. After crossing the location Piano delle Streghe (Pian di Strìi - 1690 m above sea level), where legends tell of witches and sorcerers from the borderlands between Italy and Switzerland, continue on the same path until descending to Pluni (Polunia 1461 m above sea level) where there is a shelter (travel time 1 hour 50 minutes). From this alpe, one can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Cannobina Valley. From Alpe Pluni, take the path that, winding along the Cannobina side, leads to Monte Vecchio (1094 m above sea level - travel time 1 hour 20 minutes) where there is a nice refuge for resting. From Monte Vecchio, take the path (VBAS16A) that leads to Cursolo (886 m above sea level - travel time 40 minutes). In Cursolo, it’s possible to rest at the Hostel. There are also refreshment points and the possibility of taking a bus for the return journey.