Easy canyon in the forest

Easy canyon in the forest

From the A26 highway, take the exit for Villadossola and follow the signs toward Valle Antrona. Go up the valley to Seppiana (a hamlet of Borgomezzavalle). Park near the last houses of the village in a small open area on the right with a few parking spots.

Opposite the parking area, a marked trail towards Alpe Zii begins. Follow it downhill, cross the bridge over the Ovesca stream, and go up the opposite slope. Once you reach an obvious water channel, follow it to the left until you hit a clear fork (if you continue along the channel, past a tunnel, you will reach the intermediate water intake, where the flow rate is visible). At the fork, turn right and go up through the woods, passing a few stone huts (one of which is well restored). After crossing a couple of secondary gullies, you will reach the canyon at a bridge.

Anchors: Quick and essential. Single stainless steel bolts on only 6 rappels/drops, the rest are on natural anchors. Escape routes: Everywhere.

After the last drop (the highest one), you will reach an old, dilapidated wooden bridge. Exit to the left and climb up through the woods following faint tracks, pass a ruin, and keep climbing until you reach a flat ridge. Just below it, to the left, runs a marked trail. Follow it downhill, cross the bridge over the Ovesca, and head back up to Seppiana. Return to the car by walking up the road to the parking lot.

The flow rate varies greatly throughout the season. The descent is more interesting with a medium-to-high flow rate. An upstream intake (unknown) that regulates the flow, and another in the second half that withdraws a portion of it.