Lake Ceresole and Gran Paradiso National Park Lakes

Ceresole Reale is the Piedmont gateway to Gran Paradiso National Park, in the Orco Valley north-west of Turin, Italy, with an easy circuit around Lake Ceresole and high-alpine routes toward the Nivolet and Serru basins. The village, 10080 Ceresole Reale, lies about 85 km from Turin on SP 460 via Pont Canavese. Public buses reach Ceresole Reale from Turin with a change at Rivarolo Canavese (timetables at gtt.to.it). The road to the Serru area is seasonal, and the park authority at pngp.it should be consulted for current access and any rules. The walk around Lake Ceresole is about 9 km and takes 3 to 4 hours, with about 100 m of ascent, so it is easy in terms of elevation. The Lago Serru loop is about 4.3 km at 2,240 to 2,340 m altitude, takes about 2 hours and gains about 120 m, while harder loops reach 660 to 940 m of ascent. Because of the altitude and the longer options, the overall rating is moderate. Surfaces are a mix of lakeside track and mountain path, with rocky and sometimes wet sections at height. Shade is limited near the high lakes, and weather can change fast, with cold, wind and afternoon storms possible even in summer. The main landmarks are the reservoir of Lake Ceresole, the alpine scenery of the national park, and the high lakes of the Serru basin. Walkers can shorten or end the lake circuit at the road at many points, and a retreat from the high basins follows the same path back. Mobile signal is patchy, so a printed trail map is advisable, along with warm layers, a rain jacket, sun protection, and water and a picnic. Refreshments are available in the village. The season runs from late June to October, as the high lakes and roads are snow-bound in winter.