Val di Sole Bike Path
Bike Italy - Bike Paths
This cycle path follows the route of the Torrente Noce stream, an important tributary of the river Adige, and is near 35 kilometres long. The description of the path starts from the lower end of the cycle path by Mostizzolo bridge. The bridge straddles a deep ravine where the Noce flows into Lake Santa Giustina, a large basin closed by a very high dam. The route has changes in altitude which from 595 metres at Mostizzolo takes us up to 1160 metres at Cogolo, in Val di Pejo, which is the northerly branch of the upper Val di Sole. Over the route we face some steep, but short, climbs. The first stretch, in spite of it's lower altitude, crosses a landscape with more markedly Alpine features, as it has a recently planted fir tree wood.
As we slowly proceed the wood gives way to orchards and open fields until we reach Malè, main town of the Val diSole. Along this stretch of cycle path, which is protected from vehicle traffic, we come across the locality of ponte Stori, suitably equipped for a stop. Having reached the area near Cavizzana, we face the first steep climb along the public road which leads to the village. But, before getting there, we descend towards Noce, crossing vast orchards, overlooked by the solid, dominating structure of Caldes Castle on the other side of the valley. After seven kilometres we find Contre, a locality with sporting and recreational facilities. Still continuing along the Noce's right-hand bank, we shortly reach the confluence with the Torrente Rabbies stream which comes down the Valle di Rabbi and flows into the Noce a kilometre downstream of Malè. Staying alongside the stream, under the main road's viaduct, we pass Malè which is on a flat plain higher up. The cycle path doesn't go through the town, which is nonetheless worth visiting to admire some of its distinctive buildings and to see the Museo della civiltà solandra (the Val di Sole culture museum) and the offices of the Stelvio National Park.
The cycle route continues across the large, grassy plain which goes to the village of Dimaro at the entrance of the Val Meledrio, where the road to Madonna di Campiglio branches off. Dimaro is crossed away from the cycle path, which picks up again along the river Noce, first on the right and then on the left bank, as far as the village of Daolasa. For about one and a half kilometres we follow the main road's footpath until we reach the village of Piano, then we return to the River, passing in front of Mezzana, by the canoeing slalom Stadium, until we reach the sports Centre.
We now continue quietly along country roads, passing through woods and fields to the village of Pellizzano, which we go through. Still on country roads we approach Ossana and its Castle which is clearly visible from afar. Over a short section near the campsite we go up the river Vermigliana and cross the bridge which leads to Fucine, crossroads of the Valle di Sole and the Valle di Pejo. We have now reached 985 metres above sea level. After Fucine we continue in a north-westerly direction, skirting an industriaI warehouse, then we start the climb towards Cogolo. The valley is now narrower and we have to cross the Noce three times, the second over the road bridge leading to the village of Comasine, contending with a short, but steep, climb. Continuing to climb we finally see Cogolo, which we reach negotiating a bridge which takes us, via the main road, right to the entrance of the village.
Northern Italy is an exceptional choice as an active vacation for those who love to get around by foot.·There are great walks and hikes throughout the regions that lets you explore·the multi layers of history and culture, the varied geographical profile, and these small ecosystems that offer varied food and wine products, a walker·has multiple choices to keep them engaged during their visit.
