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Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Province of Turin

Loop on the Basilisk Path

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  • Photo: Andrea Mantelli, Turismo Torino e Provincia

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    Loop hike following the ancient trails that connected the panoramic alpine pastures located at altitude with the inhabited centers of Sale and Cintano.

    moderate
    Distance 10.3 km
    4:35 h
    802 m
    802 m
    1,492 m
    781 m

    The basilisk is a mythological animal, a winged serpent with the head and legs of a rooster and a deadly gaze, said to have lived also in the woods around Cintano and, like all basilisks, had a treasure in its lair.

    The itinerary crosses the entire basin surrounded by the Calvo, Verzel, and Quinzeina mountains, reaching numerous alpine pastures, many of which are still in use. Many of these pastures in the second half of May turn entirely white due to the blooming of daffodils, creating an exciting spectacle.

    In the lower part, woods are crossed (chestnuts, oaks, and alders) that have partly reclaimed areas abandoned by human use. The area is rich in water, and the route crosses the Piova, Vernetto, and Rondonera streams.

    Author’s recommendation

    Walking the route during the daffodil blooming period is a very special and thrilling experience.
    (Important to stay on the paths!)

    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    1,492 m
    Lowest point
    781 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 0.06%Forested/wild trail 26.92%Path 73%
    Asphalt
    7 m
    Forested/wild trail
    2.8 km
    Path
    7.5 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    There are no refreshment points or water along the route: bring everything you need with you

    Tips and suggestions

    For all tourist information, consult the web portal Turismo in Canavese.

    Before undertaking any hike, it is advisable to check weather bulletins or ask for information at local Tourist Offices.

    It is good practice not to hike alone and always inform someone about your destination.

    Do not litter the environment but carry waste with you, possibly also collecting any left by others.

    The indicated travel times are approximate and may vary depending on weather conditions and individual capacities.

    Roadbook

    The route starts next to the bridge over the Piova stream, on its left hydrographic bank along a dirt road climbing into the forest. After crossing the ford on the Vernetto river, turn right and pass a small stream. This way you reach the ridge that you climb. At about 1126 m elevation, ignore the left turn (which you will take on the return) and continue to follow the path along the ridge. Climbing up, you leave the forest and enter the pasture area: continue ascending until the "Capannone" alpine pastures at 1447 m. Turn left on a path with small ups and downs to cross the Piova stream and the Gavia river. Afterwards, you arrive at the Vallossera alpine pastures where a dirt road arrives. Follow the road for a few hundred meters, then turn left on a steep trail, initially faint but then clearly visible. After a long descent, at a junction turn left to reach the Nuovo Ponte di Legno and then reconnect with the ascent trail to follow back.

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    Directions

    At Castellamonte, enter Valle Sacra using SP 59 up to Cintano. Cross the village and take Via Alpi until you reach the locality of Ponte Romano.

    Parking

    In the locality of Ponte Romano, just after the carriageable bridge, there is space to park.

    Coordinates

    DD
    45.446754, 7.688921
    DMS
    45°26'48.3"N 7°41'20.1"E
    UTM
    32T 397473 5033417
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Author’s map recommendations

    MU Edizioni, 04 Carta della Valle Sacra, 1:20000, ISBN 978-88-89803-03-5

    Book recommendations for this region:

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    Recommended maps for this region:

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    Equipment

    It is recommended to wear footwear with non-slip soles, wind/rain protection, a warm layer, water and food supply, first aid kit, hat, and sunglasses.

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from Italian.

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    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    10.3 km
    Duration
    4:35 h
    Ascent
    802 m
    Descent
    802 m
    Highest point
    1,492 m
    Lowest point
    781 m
    Round trip Scenic Flora

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

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