The Bessa gold mine: The cycle path of the Old Quarries

The Special Nature Reserve of the Bessa is 8 kilometers long and has an average width of one kilometer. It is one of the most evocative archaeological sites in Piedmont. An open-cast gold mine exploited by the ancient Romans between the second and the first centuries BC, today presents a fascinating landscape with an articulated network of paths between valleys rich in vegetation and pebble dunes up to 10 meters high. It is crossed by 3 cycle paths with a total length of approximately 10 km, mostly flat or with low gradients requiring moderate effort, suitable for the use of mountain bikes; excursions can be made along these routes, which are properly marked, in the spring and during autumn. The Vecchie Cave cycle path is a simple flat route on a dirt road that runs along the Elvo stream, starting from Cerrione parking area (260 m) and arriving in Mongrando, at Cave di Mongrando (310 m). No difficulties, stretches with slight uphills and downhills with a modest difference in height, the path base is suitable for mtb.