A simple itinerary that will regale you with a whole range of emotions. If you really want to experience Lake Orta and the waters’ edge to the full, this is the route for you. Don’t forget to pack your costume and towel so that you can take a dip along the way.

PERFECT BEACH

The starting point is the lido at Gozzano which in 2020 was awarded Blue Flag status and recognition as Piedmont’s cleanest beach.  At the end of the large, strategic carpark, on the left, is a path which takes you along the coast, with a little drinking water fountain on the left where you can fill your water bottle or flask before you set off.  The path follows a stone wall for about 1 km with the rushes on the right, offering an opportunity to observe several wild bird species in the vegetation, such as the grebe and little bittern typical of these waters.

RUSHES AND GREBES

After the path, a slight hill on the left takes you to an area of tarmac road. Along the road is a series of villas and gardens overlooking the lake, with meadows and fruit trees offsetting the continuous blue of the lake waters. At the end of the straight section of road, another slight hill leads to a junction. Take the smaller tarmac road on the right and cycle back down to the lake shore among old villas and picturesque little boathouses almost hidden among the rushes.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

Silence reigns in these places.  Cycle past the coloured walls of the period houses until you reach a clearing with a little restaurant. This marks the beginning of a new section of dirt road which goes through green countryside along the lake. Do be careful of pedestrians who can be quite numerous during the weekends, particularly as the path narrows. After 600 metres through shade you come out onto the broad stretch of Lagna’s beach, with its pontoon and cool, shady pine wood behind it.

WATERS FLOWING

Cycle a little further on and turn left: the road climbs steeply for 150 metre and then flattens out again before actually reaching the village of Lagna. A gorgeous 19th century laundry washing area and a series of little waterways lend a cool freshness to the route.  At the far end of the village, cross the river by way of the little bridge, or the more athletic among you might like to cycle across the river bed itself.

At this point you come out on the main road that connects San Maurizio D’Opaglio with Pella.

EASY RIDING

Be careful of the traffic, especially busy on weekdays, and cycle along the first 400 metres of the tarmac road and turn right. Pedal for another 600 metres, going past Roncallo al lago and following it, the gorgeous parish church of  San Filiberto magically framed by the little chapels with the Stations of the Cross and the ancient bell tower soaring above the lake waters. From here it is possible to take your bike on the public boat and go to Orta, stopping off at the Island of San Giulio on the way. Proceed along the road flanking the lake towards Pella, one of the oldest villages in the Cusio area.

PRETTY PELLA

The pedestrian road runs along the lakeshore which is scattered with sparkling white little boats moored close to the medieval tower and then opens out into the main square. This is a perfect place for a quick stop, the peaceful little village is full of historical little points of interest like the two 16th century churches dedicated to St John the Baptist and Saint Albino the Bishop, the old wash-house so local women were able to do their laundry even when inclement weather prevented them from approaching the lake, and the former Sonzogno paper mill.

RONCO: A UNIQUE TREASURE

Back in the saddle once again, go along the route climbing the Via Roma as far as the tarmac road and turn right. You can cycle from here to the village of Ronco where the road ends: you will now have about 5 km of total peace and tranquillity, through green woods and past blue lake waters. On the way are many pretty, unusual views over to the Island of San Giulio and the lake waters, such as the one from the little fisherman’s chapel. When you get to Ronco, park up your bike so as to enjoy a short walk around the little roads flanked by the period houses and their pontoon.

TURN BACK AT THE BRIDGE

The way back is the same way you came as far as Pella, where a little diversion to the right takes you to the Pellino River, over a typical little hump back bridge.  Follow the signs for San Filiberto, a well-kept path leads you through woods and over a wooden bridge, past a picnic area in the countryside.  After 500 metres, you will find you are once again on the road that runs along the lake towards Gozzano where you can dive in for a final swim to cool off. This is a route everyone can enjoy, ideal for children too, perfect for a picnic or packed lunch. A perfect opportunity to savour a day out by the lake.

FROM LIDO DI GOZZANO TO RONCO

TYPES OF ROAD
Singletrack – 4.15 km
Path: 403 m
Bike path: 0 km
Minor road: 2.44 km
Asphalt road: 13.20 km

SURFACES
Natural: 2.65 km
Unpaved: 154 m
Dirt road: 1.38 km
Paved area: 2.69 km
Asphalt: 13.3 km

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