The best hiking routes in Riserva naturale speciale Confluenza del Sesia e del Grana

The Riserva naturale speciale Confluenza del Sesia e del Grana covers a flat, dynamic river landscape where the Sesia river meets the Grana stream. This is not a place of dramatic mountain peaks or deep gorges, but rather a low-lying alluvial plain shaped by shifting waters. Walkers will find a mosaic of gravel beds, riparian woodlands, and agricultural edges. The terrain is defined by the natural movement of the rivers, which constantly reshape the gravel banks and deposit silt along the shores.

Underfoot, the tracks vary from loose river gravel and sandy deposits near the water to packed dirt paths through the willow and alder woods. Because this is an active floodplain, the paths can be uneven and are often interrupted by seasonal debris or small side channels. The vegetation is dense in places, with thick stands of reeds and shrubs that limit long-distance views, creating an intimate, enclosed feel as you walk closer to the watercourses.

This reserve is particularly suited for those interested in river dynamics and birdwatching rather than structured hiking trails. The main paths follow the natural curves of the embankments, offering direct views of the wide gravel beds. It is generally a quiet area, though local agricultural activity is visible nearby, reminding visitors of the park's position within a working lowland landscape.