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After
landing on Milano Malpensa at 12, I drive to Alpi
Biellesi for a short afternoon trip. My target is Monticchio,
easily accessible with some
300 altitude meters from the
restaurant Bocchetto Sessera.
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What
makes this hike a little special is that Monticchio
is on the very
limit to the Po Valley. The picture taken
after some 50 altitude meters. |
Further
up, there are alpine roses. Picture taken to the northeast.
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| The
final climb to the summit. |
A small wooden cross marks the summit of
Monticchio.
I only need 45min to get up here. Then I have been
walking deliberatly slow, not to get tired
until tomorrows
climb, which will be much higher. That means, it's quite
easy to get up
here. |
It's
possible to continue along the ridge, to Cima del Bonom, 1877m, here to
the left. It takes about one hour from Monticchio. If you feel like it,
you can then go on to Cima de la Guardie 2007m (lower peak to the
right). Just remember that you are going the same way back again.
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| Monte Mars 2600m, to the southwest. |
Looking
out the Po Valley to the south, you see the town of Biella.
There
is a special beauty in standing on the borderline between the flatland
in one direction, and
sharp alpine peaks in the other.
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This could be called a simple family hike,
accessible even for those who suffer from vertigo. The only negative thing I noticed, was a near trampling
on a small viper. I don't know who got most scared, me or the viper.
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Red
Admirals and Painted Ladys fly around the summit.
Finally I managed to
get one Painted Lady to sit still, long
anough for a picture. |
The ski
resort Bielmonte is close to Monticchio. There is
much activity during
wintertime, but now it's deserted. |
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