Description

This itinerary starts at the periphery of Gordevio, which can easily be reached from Locarno or Ponte Brolla through the new cycle path of Vallemaggia. Following the road that climbs a hill on the right, you reach a path that crosses a stream and visits Villa and Brié, Gordevio's two ancient village centers. Then you reach the northernmost part of the village, where you can take the path that leads directly to Maggia. The first part of the path is a steep but short climb that must be walked, then the slope becomes softer and the only difficulties are represented by some short technical sections. This route is embellished by a visit to some magnificent settlements immersed in the vineyards, which remain hidden from those who only visit the valley floor.

At the end of the single-track, by following the cycle path you will reach the beautiful little church of Our Lady of Grace, in front of which a dirt road runs through the countryside and leads to Maggia. Then you must follow the cycle path that runs along the old main road. At the exit of the town, an underpass will bring you to the evocative mule track which runs through a pristine landscape of salt marshes, and then again joins the cycle path by the Lodano bridge. Following the marked route you will pass through the villages of Coglio, Giumaglio and Someo, which offer cyclists some refreshment points.

In Someo, a long suspension bridge leads to the right bank of the Maggia river, which can be traveled south to Lodano thanks to a single-track that visits some typical small settlements. This region has never been electrified and has therefore been preserved in its original state. The path presents some technical difficulties and some exposed sections that have to be overcome by walking. In Lodano you can stay on the right side of the river climbing behind the village center and following the mule track that crosses a beautiful chestnut orchard. A short section on a paved road leads to another path that descends into the floodplain wood and gets close to the river.

The path takes you back to the main road which crosses the villages of Moghegno and Aurigeno. There you leave it to descend again to the river and cross it over a suspension bridge. On the other side, the pinewood of Aurigeno will welcome you. From there on, a falt and smooth single-track will take you back to Gordevio.