Granfondo dei Longobardi Trail

The trail officially starts and ends in Cagno, Italy. You can typically find parking in or around the town to begin your ride.

While the trail winds through pleasant woods and meadows, specific regulations regarding dogs are not detailed. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially when encountering other riders or wildlife, and to check local signage for any restrictions in the Lanza Valley Park area.

The trail features fast descents on clean ground that are best ridden when dry. Therefore, late spring, summer, and early autumn typically offer the most favorable conditions, avoiding the wettest periods.

The Granfondo dei Longobardi Trail is a permanent, well-maintained mountain bike route. There are no specific permits or entrance fees mentioned for accessing the trail itself or for general use within the Lanza Valley Park area.

The trail is generally rated as medium-high in difficulty. While some sections are enjoyable, it includes four short, challenging climbs with gradients between 12% and 15% in the latter half, and some technical sections. It's more suited for riders with some mountain biking experience.

The route is primarily off-road, with about 90% dirt or trail surfaces and 10% asphalt. It's characterized by continuous ups and downs, including fast descents and some technical sections. You may also encounter a ford and two railway track crossings.

The full route is approximately 37.45 km to 42 km (23 to 26 miles) long. Our data suggests an average duration of around 1 hour and 38 minutes for the core segment, but a full ride can take several hours depending on your pace and stops.

While not consistently panoramic, a highlight is the climb to Colle di San Maffeo, offering excellent 360-degree views of the Como/Varese area and the Swiss pre-Alps. Other points of interest include the Madonna dell'Assunta, the Mendrisio–Castellanza Railway Path, and the Rospante Pond. The route also frequently crosses the historic Valmorea Railway.

Yes, the route intersects with several other trails. Notable overlaps include sections of the SICAI Ciclo, Sentiero Italia - Tappa D08, PCIR 16 Valle Olona, and the Sentiero Lanza-Lura.

Yes, for those seeking a less strenuous ride, an optional return route is available. This bypasses the more demanding sections that include the challenging climbs to Colle dell'Assunta and Colle San Maffeo.

Yes, the Granfondo dei Longobardi Trail is designed as a loop route, starting and ending in Cagno, Italy.

The Granfondo dei Longobardi Trail is very well-marked. It's a permanent route with around 170 directional arrows and explanatory signs, making navigation straightforward. You can also download GPX tracks for additional guidance.