Mortirolo from Aprica

One of the most beautiful and relatively simple ways of reaching the Mortirolo Pass is to climb from Aprica  and pass through Trivigno. Off the beaten track of the men's Giro d'Italia, parts of it are included in the women's competition. The 27.8 km route is rich in climbs interspersed with flatter stretches, pleasant slopes and descents. It is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy nature. Indeed it includes a number of woodland stretches, where you can fill your lungs with the perfume of resin and wood. The start is already quite high up, at 1,200 metres in Aprica ; the route climbs up to 1,800, at the Mortirolo; it is accessible from late spring until late autumn.

For cyclists, the first part up to the Pian di Gembro nature reserve makes for an easy climb, mostly shaded. After Pian di Gembro you'll meet with a series of tough ascents, with gradients of up to 15%. The edge is taken off this part of the journey by the various signs of hamlets like Santa Cristina, as we reminisce about the endeavours of Marco Pantani. Upper Trivigno marks the end of the most challenging part of this route. The hilly route leads all the way up to the pass and along the ridge, with breathtaking views of  Val Camonica and then Valtellina. Remember to take care as the road is narrow, which is very often the case in the high mountains.