The Rivers Around Cuneo

This ring tour is generally considered to have a low to medium-easy difficulty, making it suitable for most cycling enthusiasts. It features gentle and constant slopes rather than challenging climbs, with a very limited elevation gain of around 200-260 meters over its approximately 27 km length.

You'll find an easy and well-beaten surface, suitable for MTBs, e-bikes, and gravel bikes. About 58% of the route is natural or unpaved, with dirt roads common along the Gesso river. The remaining sections are a mix of municipal roads (27%) and dedicated cycle paths (25%). The Stura river side is wilder, with large woods and ancient stone canals.

The full ring tour, which is about 29.8 km long, typically takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete by touring bicycle, depending on your pace and stops.

You'll cycle through diverse landscapes, including green vegetation, woods, and fields along the Gesso and Stura rivers. Keep an eye out for panoramic views of the Alpine range, including Mount Bisalta. Notable points include the Cuneo Riverside Park, the View of the Mellana Golf Club, and the Ponte del Sale Canal between Cuneo and Vignolo. The park is also rich in biodiversity, with many species of birds, mammals, and butterflies.

The trail is enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, but the riverside sections provide some shade. Always check the local weather forecast before you go.

While the Parco Fluviale Gesso e Stura is generally dog-friendly, specific regulations for cycling with dogs may apply. It's always best to keep your dog on a leash, especially in shared areas and near wildlife, and ensure you clean up after them.

You can find parking in and around Cuneo, particularly near access points to the Parco Fluviale Gesso e Stura. A good starting point could be near the Casa del Fiume (House of the River), which is an environmental education center and offers services like bicycle hire.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access and cycle within the Parco Fluviale Gesso e Stura. It is a public natural area designed for recreational use.

Yes, this ring tour utilizes sections of several official trails. You'll find yourself on parts of "I fiumi attorno a Cuneo" and "Itinerario Cicloturistico Valle Stura" for much of the way. It also intersects with "Via Antica di Vignolo" and the "Torrente Gesso" trail, among others.

Yes, the park offers various services. At the Casa del Fiume (House of the River), you can find bicycle hire and an environmental education center. Along the route, you'll pass through areas with typical Piedmontese farmsteads and hamlets, where you might find cafes or restaurants. Explanatory panels provide information about the park's natural features.

Given its low to medium-easy difficulty, gentle slopes, and well-beaten surfaces, this ring tour is very suitable for families. The diverse scenery and the presence of dedicated cycle paths make it a pleasant and safe experience for cyclists of varying ages and abilities.