ZONE 2 – ROUTE 3
The Path
TOUR OF PIANO LAKE AND MENAGGIO VALLEY
The circular itinerary starts and ends in Porlezza, it develops between Lake Ceresio and Lake Lario, extending along the plain that is located at the bottom of the valley. From Porlezza you can also easily reach the Cavargna Valley, Rezzo Valley, the Intelvi Valley, and nearby Switzerland, in particular Lugano, which is only 15 km away.
The level of difficulty is low, therefore it can be done by anyone with a minimum level of training and familiarity with the saddle, with a single short climb that leads to the town of Naggio (a hamlet in the municipality of Grandola ed Uniti).
Following the signs of the cycle/pedestrian path that goes from Porlezza to Menaggio, you will alternate asphalt and short stretches of simple dirt roads. Plan a stop on the banks of the Piano lake, an uncontaminated Nature Reserve, taking advantage of the refreshment areas equipped with wooden tables and benches located along its gentle banks.
The route offers the opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of the place, the entire outward stretch follows the well-marked cycle path away from traffic, up to the only traffic light located in Grandola ed Uniti, from where the 4km climb with an average gradient of 7% will begin.
Particularly beautiful is the center of Cardano, which you come across just after the start of the asperity. Starting from Codogna, located immediately after Cardano, it is possible – turning right – to reach the Vecchia Chioderia (agritourism) and visit during the opening periods the Fornace Galli (the most important and best preserved example of pre-industrial archaeology of the Val Sanagra area, of seventeenth-century origins).
Equally interesting is the Ethnographic and Naturalistic Museum of Val Sanagra, generally open on the last Sunday of the month (free entry).
Once you reach the town of Naggio where the climb ends, continue towards the hamlets of Gottro and Carlazzo, from where you can appreciate the view of Lago del Piano and Ceresio and, with a bit of luck, looking west you will be able to see the Alps that frame this beautiful landscape on the clearest days.
Once you arrive in Carlazzo you will have the option of following the road that leads to the town of Corrido where the descent on the provincial road that leads directly to Porlezza will begin, alternatively (suggested route) you cross the centre of Carlazzo to go down a short but steep descent (approx. 10-12%) following the signs for the La Rotonda restaurant.
Be careful as the road is narrow and busy with cars. 100 m before reaching the restaurant, turn left to return to Lago del Piano and retrace the cycle path to the delta of the Cuccio river.
Along the entire route there are various places to stop (restaurants, crotti, bars, campsites, equipped beach, 1 bike shop just off the itinerary).
In Porlezza it is also worth taking a stroll to visit its small and characteristic village.
Following the signs for the little church of San Rocco you can admire the historic centre from above and glimpse Lake Ceresio and the whole valley between the roofs of the village houses and the bell tower of the Church of San Vittore.
In the area of the boat dock, next to the B-loved bar and the tourist information office, there is a small bicycle repair station, a second one is located approximately 3 km from the start along the cycle path that runs alongside the
Cuccio stream.
Technical Data
TOUR DEL LAGO DEL PIANO E DELLA VALLE DI MENAGGIO
Path status:
Good/Excellent
Difficulty:
EASY: Suitable for families,
without technical difficulties and
with little training
Recommended bike:
ebike/mtb/city bike/gravel
Degree of historical/landscape interest:
7 out of 10
Route lenght:
22,9 Km
510 meters
510 meters
Activities and services
TOUR OF PIANO LAKE AND MENAGGIO VALLEY
Existing Signage:
Good: A new well-marked cycle path has recently been created. There are signs with pedestrian directions and well-marked cycle path signs but they still need to be implemented.
Charging point:
Absent.
Workshops and shops:
There is a specialized shop and 2 public repair stations for bicycles.
Intermodal connections:
The itinerary is a loop with departure and arrival from Croce or Porlezza.
Along the Route:
There are numerous refuges and farmhouses.
Gallery
TOUR OF PIANO LAKE AND MENAGGIO VALLEY
Reports
TOUR OF PIANO LAKE AND MENAGGIO VALLEY
Report a Point Of Interest along the Route
With this feature LarioGT wants to be a point of reference for the biker community of Lake Como. If you think that along the route it is useful to report a Point of Interest (a fountain, a viewpoint, a commercial activity useful to us bikers, but also a dangerous point) use the following Form to send us the details, if you know the coordinates in decimal degrees (latitude and longitude) or more simply the exact address and you have photos or documents useful for your report, attach them and write a comment about your report, we will moderate the report and insert it into the map!