CYCLE ROUTE: Cannobio and St. Anna Gorge

SEASON Throughout the year

This is a very simple route for the most part on the network of cycle paths along the River Cannobino.

The starting point is the area of the Lido of Cannobio, near the mouth of the River Cannobino. The route begins with the beautiful lakeside road (Via Magistris) but it is worth making a few detours into the narrow side streets to discover the charm of the medieval architecture. After the town hall take Via XVII Maggio until you cross the main road. Bypass the car park in the area of Amore and following side streets along the foot of the slope you then enter Via Cuserina and continue for about 400 m until you reach a lay-by. Here you take a new cycle/pedestrian path that climbs halfway up the hillside as far as the river source of Acqua Carlina. From here the track drops with some hairpin bends until you come to the road of the Cannobina Valley which you follow for approximately 800 m to the turn off for the Sant'Anna Gorge, a spectacular ravine carved into the rock. After passing the bridge, take the almost flat cycle/pedestrian path which runs along the left shore (looking downstream) of the River Cannobino. When you come to the cycle/pedestrian walkway (the so-called Ponte Ballerino or Dancing Bridge), to return to the Lido you can either cross the bridge and continue on the cycle path on the right bank or continue on the cycle path on the left bank which joins the main road of Lake Maggiore at the bridge. From here follow the cycle path alongside the football field and return to the starting point.

AUTHOR Alessandro Pirocchi