Discovering the UNESCO Sesia Val Grande Geopark and the landscape of the Loana Valley

As a result of the collaboration between the CAI Valle Vigezzo Section, the UNESCO Sesia Val Grande Geopark, the University of Milan – Department of Earth Sciences, Ardito Desio – and the Val Grande National Park, the initiative ‘The Landscape Tells Its Story: Discovering the Upper Geotourism Loop of the Loana Valley’ has been launched. This initiative has been organised to give everyone interested – including those who may not be able to attend in person – the opportunity to learn about and explore the geomorphological features of the Loana Valley: for this reason, on Thursday 7 August at 8.45 pm, an event will be held at the Section’s headquarters at Via Pittor Fornara 49 in Prestinone di Craveggia, an evening exploring the UNESCO Sesia Val Grande Geopark and the landscape of the Loana Valley, led by Professor Irene Bollati from the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Milan in Ardito Desio, Dr Michele Zanelli and Dr Cristina Viani from the UNESCO Sesia Val Grande Geopark.

The day after Friday 8 August, for those wishing to explore the route in greater depth with commentary from Professor Bollati, the meeting point is at 7.30 am at the car park by the Malesco cemetery or at 8 am at Fund i Ghebi in the Loana Valley, to follow the high-altitude geotourism loop (EE route, 800m elevation gain, 12 km in length, estimated walking time including a packed lunch break: 7 hours). A packed lunch, a good level of fitness, and suitable clothing and footwear are required.

At the end of the hike, a light meal will be available for those who wish to have one at the Laurasca Mountain Hut in Fund i Ghebi, at a cost of 15 euros. To ensure safety on the route, a maximum of 20 participants will be accepted; non-CAI members have the option of taking out a one-day insurance policy at a cost of €8.40. Bookings for the hike are compulsory and must be made by 6 August via email tosegreteria@caivigezzo.it