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Foresta del Brattello

5 mountain bike itineraries to discover Lunigiana

Along the trails of the Lunigiana Bike Area among picturesque villages, castles and landscapes

Lunigiana
by  Lunigiana

One of the most evocative ways to immerse oneself in the discovery of Lunigiana's cultural and natural heritage is definitely by bicycle.

In this border territory between Tuscany and Liguria, rich in history and culture, whose valleys open up at the foot of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Apuan Alps, the Lunigiana Bike Area was born: a widespread network open and usable all year round, constantly evolving, with more than 30 MTB trails that allow you to move between medieval villages and castles, forests, streams and up to the highest mountains.

Dedicated routes both for families or first-time beginners, who choose to explore Lunigiana with more calm and tranquility, and for more experienced riders, looking for adventure and pure adrenaline.

Here are 5 MTB routes, different in commitment and technical ability, to experience the whole area:

Contents
  • 1.
    The Brattello Forest: immersed in a picturesque forest of beech and coniferous trees
  • 2.
    The Bagnone Valley: among forests, castles and medieval villages
  • 3.
    The Caprio Valley: at the foot of the Apennines
  • 4.
    Mulazzo MTB Adventure: a real technical and physical challenge for experts
  • 5.
    Equi Terme Enduro Adventure: in the shadow of Pizzo d'Uccello in the heart of the Lunigiana Apuan Alps
1.

The Brattello Forest: immersed in a picturesque forest of beech and coniferous trees

MTB in the Brattello Forest
MTB in the Brattello Forest

Length: 14.4 km 
Physical level: medium 
Technical difficulty: medium 

The ring route is marked with the number 12 of the Lunigiana Bike Area and runs within the beautiful forest located between the Brattello Pass and the Borgallo Pass, in the Municipality of Pontremoli, an area also affected by the ancient Via degli Abati. The trail is characterized by compact terrain with climbs that reach up to 14-15% gradient and some steep descents where care must be taken. Overall, the route is not too challenging, but as always, caution is needed. It is a route that runs between 1000 and 1200 m asl, perfect in the warmer months, to end with a picnic in the beech and conifer forests.

Discover the details of the itinerary: The Brattello Forest by bike

1.

The Bagnone Valley: among forests, castles and medieval villages

the village of Filetto
the village of Filetto

Length: 16 km
Physical commitment: medium
Technical difficulty: medium

The ring route is marked with the number 20 of the Lunigiana Bike Area and the starting point is Selva di Filetto, in the municipality of Villafranca in Lunigiana. From here begins a journey to the church of San Francesco, with its admirable cloister, and the historic center of Villafranca, marked by the historic bridge and the remains of the Malnido Castle. We then reach the medieval village of Virgoletta, a splendid town crossed by the Via Francigena.

A dirt, paved and highly scenic road leads to Bagnone, one of the most enchanting villages in Lunigiana. We then move on to Malgrate with characteristic Castle, and then return to the starting point. A route of medium physical and technical commitment, for those who enjoy pedaling on unpaved terrain.

Discover the details of the itinerary: Tour of the medieval villages in the Bagnone valley.

1.

The Caprio Valley: at the foot of the Apennines

In the surroundings of Filattiera
In the surroundings of Filattiera

Length: 23 km
Physical commitment: medium
Technical difficulty: medium

The ring route is marked with number 2 and starts at Pieve di Sorano, in the municipality of Filattiera, a reference point of the Lunigiana Bike Area with its Bike Center. You pedal in the direction of the village of Filattiera, to pass Gigliana and Biglio and climb up to the crossroads of Bosta, where there is a route notice board, an E-bike recharge point and a self-repair station.

From here, downhill to Lusignana Posponte and Vignolo with a small detour to Maestà del Martinello where there are incredible views of the Caprio Valley and the broad Val di Magra. Finally, in returning to the starting point, we encounter the charming villages of Cavallana, Caprio, Ponticello and Migliarina.

Discover the details of the itinerary: Between villages and forests in the Caprio Valley

1.

Mulazzo MTB Adventure: a real technical and physical challenge for experts

Mulazzo MTB Adventure
Mulazzo MTB Adventure

Length: 34 km
Physical commitment: challenging
Technical difficulty: challenging

The starting point, marked with vertical signs bearing the number 25 of the Lunigiana Bike Area, is the parking lot near the municipality of Mulazzo, in the locality of Arpiola, where there is also the routes board. From here the climb leads to the historic village of Mulazzo and the hamlets of Gavedo and Terceretoli. 

Through the woods you reach almost 1,000 m of altitude, where your gaze can enjoy a breathtaking view that sweeps all the way to the Gulf of Poets. Then begins the descent to Parana and Montereggio, the village of booksellers. The "Via delle maestà" in the woods leads to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte, then down to Castagnetoli and finally to the starting point along trails designed for MTB that require good confidence with two wheels.

Discover the details of the itinerary: Mulazzo MTB Adventure

1.

Equi Terme Enduro Adventure: in the shadow of Pizzo d'Uccello in the heart of the Lunigiana Apuan Alps

Length: 25.4 km
Physical commitment: challenging
Technical difficulty: very challenging

A ring designed for Enduro MTBs that tests uphill and downhill technique on decidedly varied terrain, from dirt to the harsh Apuan limestone. It starts in Equi Terme, the town of Terme e delle Grotte in the municipality of Fivizzano, and crosses the Lucido stream to then take CAI path 39 and find yourself surrounded by meadows, woods and cultivated fields. From here begin a series of epic and adrenaline-pumping single tracks (which can also be ridden individually): Aiola Trail, Odissea Lower Part, Fazzano Trail, Cinghio Verticale and La Gagliata. We then meet again at the Equi T. railway and the starting point of the ring. Marked with Lunigiana Bike Area number 33.

Discover the details of the itinerary: Equi Terme Enduro Adventure

More information at lunigianabikearea.com

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