Lunigiana by bike: 5 routes to be done in one day

At the foot of the Apuan Alps, in the borderlands between Lunigiana and Garfagnana, you can discover some of the area’s most fascinating treasures. The 15-mile (25-kilometer) route of medium difficulty begins at the E-Bike Center in Equi Terme then leads to the Pieve di Codiponte. It is well worth stopping at this parish church to view its portals and capitals carved in sandstone and the wonderful triptych preserved within.

From Codiponte, the journey continues to the fascinating Castello dell’Aquila in Gragnola, framed by the peaks of the Apuan Alps, then continuing on to Monte dei Bianchi, a village with ancient stories of White Friars and cenobia, where indigenous wines are produced. After a well-deserved stop for lunch, return to Equi via the villages of Mezzana and Monzone.

Lunigiana is a land of medieval villages and castles with fascinating towers dotting the landscape. At approximately 15 miles (25 kilometers), this route is suitable for young and old, among the easiest to ride on an e-bike (but if using muscle power, do keep in mind that this is a medium-level route). 

The ride sets off from the E-Bike Center of the Centro Didattico Pieve di Sorano in Filattiera. From here, through the Protected Natural Area of Magra River, you reach the town of Villafranca and the village of Malgrate, dominated by a fortress and a dizzying circular tower. Continue to the market town of Bagnone, which is crossed by the stream of the same name carving through the rock and writhing toward the valley with small jumps and waterfalls visible from the town’s ancient bridges. A short but steep climb can take you up to the village above, where stands the castle built by the Noceti family, now a private residence.

On the way back, you pass through the medieval town of Virgoletta, built along the Via Francigena, until reaching the village of Filetto, surrounded by walls that trace a perfect quadrangular shape. From here, along the state road, return to the Parish Church of Sorano.

A loop route along Track 2 of the Lunigiana Bike Area. The route begins at the Parish Church of Sorano in Filattiera, a point of reference for mountain bikers in the area. Start pedaling toward Gigliana and Biglio, then climb to the Bosta crossroads. Here, you’ll find an information panel about the route along with an e-bike charging station and bicycle repair column.

Next, a pleasant descent leads to Lusignana, Posponte, and Vignolo, at which point you can take a well-deserved scenic break over the Caprio Valley and the broad Val di Magra. Continue through the villages of Cavallana, Caprio, Ponticello and Migliarina, ending the loop route by returning to the Parish Church of Sorano.The entire route extends some 14 miles (23 kilometers), marked as Route 2 of the Lunigiana Bike Area.

Loop Route 15 of the Lunigiana Bike Area begins in Piazza Italia, in the heart of Pontremoli. Taking Provincial Road 31 in the direction of Mulazzo, after some 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) turn right at the Teglia Bridge in the direction of the village. Once you reach the village, turn right again to face a climb along a dirt road that leads to Oppilo. After a few detours, descend through the forest until you reach Torrano. Cross the village and descend to Cavezzana Gordana then Valunga, where the Gordana Stream flows. You can now return to Pontremoli.

In this area, you’ll find directions to the Giaredo Straits, a fascinating river canyon carved out over the centuries by the erosion of the Gordana Stream. The gorge designated as a Zona Speciale di Conservazione (Special Area of Conservation) is accessible only on foot.

This itinerary unfurls in the picturesque Brattello Forest, between the Brattello Pass and the Borgallo Pass in Pontremoli. The forest is crisscrossed by the ancient Via degli Abati and a path that connects the trail network of the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri (A.V.) and the Grande Escursione Appenninica (G.E.A.).

At approximately 9.3 miles (15 kilometers), the trail extends within the forest with start and finish in an open expanse about 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) from the Brattello Pass, easily recognized by a water collection tank. Although this route is not overly demanding, it is always advisable to go easy.