In Chiavenna the RENT A BIKE hire point is up and running in the railway station complex.
The service works by reservation (at least two days prior to the day on which the bike is to be collected). Reservations should be made at the office of the Consorzio Turistico Valchiavenna, by calling +39 0343 37485 or by emailing consorzioturistico@valchiavenna.com. MTB, city-bike. tandem, baby carts and accessories are all available
ON YOUR BIKE!!
FROM CHIAVENNA TO DOMASO BY BICYCLE PATH
There’s nothing quite like an outing on bicycle, meandering gently along the length of the valley all the way down to fabulous Lake Como. It’s a ride suitable for absolutely anyone, young and old alike, who is at least familiar with the simple art of pedalling on two wheels and has the urge to make new discoveries. We leave Chiavenna from the piazza Pestalozzi at the very heart of the historic centre. Getting to the bicycle path couldn’t be easier: simply ask directions to the local football stadium just outside the town. From there the track moves slightly downhill through woods and clearings taking in the municipalities of Mese, Gordona, Samolaco and reaching Lake Mezzola. Once here we happily follow the shores of the lake. From the Lido the stretch runs parallel to the road as far as Verceia. To avoid long sections of tunnel we pedal away along the old Statale 36, now abandoned and adapted for the needs of two-wheel enthusiasts. Whilst here it’s well worth having a look at the Galleria di Mina. Constructed between 1916 and 1917, the tunnel was designed as a last resort to cut all road and rail links in Valchiavenna in case of invasion. Once past Verceia, the route heads into the Pian di Spagna Natural Reserve.
It’s a vast green oasis sandwiched between the northern tip of Lake Como, Lake Mezzola and the river Adda. Magnificent, and hugely popular with an infinitesimal number of animal species. Onwards and in around 30 mins, we have crossed the bridge over the lake (on a brief stretch of the Main Statale Regina which needs due care and attention) and return to the path taking us to the equally splendid Gera Lario and Domaso. Picnic time!! For the return trip we recommend taking the train from either Nuova Olonio or Colico (bikes on board by simply buying an extra ticket).
