Trail of erratic boulders, from Vialfrè

Introduction

The "Sentiero dei Massi Erratici" in Vialfré is a nature itinerary that winds through an area characterised by the presence of large blocks of rock, known as erratic boulders, transported by glaciers and deposited on the plain during glaciations. This route allows you to discover fascinating geological phenomena immersed in nature, while at the same time offering suggestive panoramic views. Along the trail, the erratics are well signposted and accompanied by explanatory panels illustrating their geological and historical peculiarities.

The trail is suitable for both hiking and mountain biking and offers various points of interest, such as forests, meadows and small streams, making it ideal for a nature outing.

The erratic rocks, the protagonists of this itinerary, represent one of the most curious and typical aspects of glacial morphologies and are an interesting feature of the Morainic Amphitheatre of Ivrea. Because of their impressiveness, they have always aroused the interest of man, who often used them as sacrificial altars in the past. The erratic boulders originated from the Baltese glacier in the Pleistocene period: its erosive action gave rise to large debris, which was transported over great distances as the ice advanced. At the end of the glaciation, during the retreat of the glacier, the boulders were deposited on the ground, sometimes resting on the surface, other times set like stones on a ring: along the morena di Vialfrè, on which this pleasant walk develops, it is possible to encounter many of these blocks, even of considerable size.

Description

To reach the path, start from the centre of Vialfrè, opposite the Church of San Pietro e Paolo, and walk up Via Roma, following the arrow on the wall opposite the church. Continuing to follow the signs, we leave the village, passing through pleasant vine and olive groves on the 'Mura', with a splendid view of the plain towards Cuceglio. Another short dirt track, then a passage on the asphalt road of the village ring road, after which you enter the forest; from here along dirt roads you reach the beginning of the loop that leads to nine observation points, at each of which you can observe the different structures of these imposing boulders. Signs placed along the main boulders refer via QR code to a card that provides explanations on the type of rock, its geographical origin and the movements that brought the boulders to their current position. The return to Vialfrè can be made by following the outward journey backwards.