Valtellina by bike. From Bormio to Lake Como by bike in a day. All this and much more on the cycle path that crosses the length of Valtellina. And you can return by train!
The Sentiero Valtellina (Valtellina Path) is the cycle-pedestrian path that connects all of Valtellina. From Bormio you can arrive at Lake Como in a day! It’s 114 km long, largely flat and full of rest stops. It’s surrounded by verdant mountain landscapes, vineyards, meadows and orchards. What more could you want? Maybe the possibility of returning by train? It’s got that too.
The Valtellina Path
Of the many cycling itineraries in the area we couldn’t skip this one.
Firstly because the infrastructure is exceptional. The path is reserved for cyclists and pedestrians, who can freely move around undisturbed by car traffic.
Secondly because it lets you discover Valtellina. The path passes through all the iconic parts of our valley, the rock carvings at Grosio, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano (built after an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1504), and the village of Teglio, where the name of the valley comes from and the home of pizzoccheri.
And finally because the route offers a range of services. You can use the numerous rest stops for a family picnic. Or have lunch at an agriturismo or cafe. There are a variety of bikes to rent at various hire shops and you can return them along the way. But you could also decide to return by train, taking your bike with you.
If you’re still not convinced, see what Enrico, one of our mountain bike guides, has to say.
What the mountain bike guides say...
“The Valtellina path is fantastic! It’s still not very well known, but in my opinion it’s one of the best cycle routes in the whole of the Lombardy region.
Il suo punto forte? La sua identità valtellinese. Su questo sentiero puoi ammirare scorci montani sconosciuti e di straordinaria bellezza, insenature del fiume Adda che regalano foto da cartolina e freschi e rigogliosi viali alberati.
Puoi fermarti a mangiare il classico panino bresaola e formaggio lungo le tante aree sosta sul percorso, far giocare i tuoi bambini nei parchi giochi attrezzati, e visitare i castelli di Grosio, la Rupe Magna o la storica città di Tirano.
The best thing about it? Its Valtellinese identity. Along the way you can admire beautiful mountain views, picture perfect little coves on the River Adda and cool, leafy tree-lined avenues.
You can stop off and eat a classic bresaola and cheese sandwich at one of the many rest stops along the route, let the kids run around at one of the playgrounds, visit the castles at Grosio, the Rupe Magna rock engraving park or the historic town of Tirano.
The Valtellina path is almost entirely traffic free. Only at some points will you have to share the road with motorised traffic. But that is always on minor roads, never main roads. The entire route is just over 100km, 114 km to be precise, but if you just want to have an easy day out on your bike you can just do part of it. My advice? Go at least as far as Tirano!
From Bormio to Tirano the route is downhill and is not difficult. The return journey from Tirano to Bormio on the other hand is a little more challenging. If you have an e-bike it’s a ride of around 2.5 hours. If you prefer a normal bike, bear in mind that it’ll be reasonably strenuous, especially from Grosio onwards! But nothing is impossible if you are reasonably fit.
My favourite time of year for doing the Valtellina path? April and May. On a clear day, the climate is perfect for a bike ride and picnic!
If you need any more advice, just ask
Ciao!
Enrico"
