Pleasurable circuit on the sunny plateau of Bleggio.
Signage: 1804. Monte Guarda - Tour
Leave the starting point in Ponte Arche and ride along the Duina stream in a southerly direction, through a short stretch of forest until you reach the sunny Bleggio plateau. You now cross a varied series of meadows, apple orchards, vineyards and cornfields, passing through picturesque villages as you go. Shortly after Santa Croce there’s an option of shortening the route by a good distance by riding to Vergonzo via Duvredo (1804a. Duvredo Shortcut). But it’s much nicer to visit the village of Rango, and from there to take the gravel tracks up into the woods at the foot of San Martino. On the descent you pass the foot of the castle ruins of Restor. Just before arriving back to Ponte Arche, there’s a short, easy trail to climb.
For more information on routes, bike services (rentals, workshops, shops) and cycling friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444.
ITRS - International Trail Rating System
The ITRS is an objective way to assess trails and routes from a biker’s perspective, evaluating four aspects:
Discover more about the ITRS system and check the classification of this tour in the photo gallery.
Safety Tips
This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.
This tour departs exactly from such a village, better to say from one of the most beautiful villages of Italy: Rango nowadays belongs with good reason to the association of the most beatiful villages of Italy („Borghi più belli d’Italia“). The village dwellers restored the nice peasant houses with a touch of loving care. This village is really worth a visit.
This is not the only attraction of this technically rather easy and physically non demanding tour through Bleggio Superiore, i.e. the upper part of Bleggio, an area characterized by diverse, valuable cultivations, dotted with small villages and well-known in Italy thanks to its excellent walnuts.
After departing from Rango, this tour runs along a slightly steep dirt uphill road leading towards Passo Durone (Durone Pass) and then along a slightly downhill road; the whole stretch is characterized by a pleasant view on Comano valley.
After overcoming the crossroads at Trevie, another dirt uphill road leads to Mount Guarda. The big, unusual monument was built up there in the early 20th century to serve as destination of christian processions and from there bikers can enjoy a nice view on the entire valley. This very monument is the destination of the yearly pilgrimage of the heavy „Croce Taumaturga“ (thaumaturgic cross) that can usually be found in the big church of the village of Santa Croce.
After enjoying the view from Mount Guarda, bikers have to take the same dirt road they were on before and ride along a light downhill stretch through the forest till reaching, above the small village of Vergonzo, the third attraction of this tour: Restor Castle. This castle was first mentioned in the year 1265, destroyed during the 15th-century war between Venice and Milan and rebuilt by Venetians after they won the war – hence the name „Restor“, which means „restored“. In following centuries the castle fell into disrepair once again till when - in 2006 - the ancient ruined walls were restored for touristic purposes.
After fully enjoying the amazing view offered by this castle, way back to Rango through the peaceful villages of Bleggio.
The area around Comano is connected by the intercity bus lines 211 (Riva del Garda - Tenno - Fiavè - Ponte Arche) and 201 (Trento - Ponte Arche - Campiglio – Tione) to the other places in Garda Trentino.
Parking in Piazza Mercato in Ponte Arche and near the thermal park (Via Cesare Battisti).
Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a sudden drop in your energy levels. The unexpected things are part of the fun!
Remember to thoroughly evaluate the type of route you plan on doing, the locations you intend to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112.
