What attracts thousands of mountain bike enthusiasts, from both Italy and further afield, to Limone Piemonte in the Vermenagna Valley every summer? The High Salt Route of course. A route, for mountain bike enthusiasts, but not only, that winds its way through Italy, France, Piedmont and Liguria on old military roads and ancient mule tracks once used to transport salt, an essential element for preserving food. 

You set off from the Tenda pass, where the Maritime Alps give way to the Ligurian Alps, and pedal for some 20 km at around 2,000 metres above sea level, through grassy pastures, blooming rhododendrons and the Karst basin, a lunar-looking limestone plateau. You are in the Maritime Alps Protected Area, a natural park rich in native species and Alpine fauna. Continuing further on, you enter the Ligurian Alps nature park.

Recharge your strength at the Don Barbera refuge where you can enjoy the mountain specialities but don't overdo it, since there is still a long way to go. If you wish to spend the night here, you can set off on a scenic walk along one of the trails that start from the hut. When you are ready, get back on the saddle and ride on towards the Framargal pass where the view opens up over a lush valley and the descent begins, leading you to the Navette, a large forest of larch and silver fir trees. According to tradition, the name derives from the fact that the timber obtained was used for building the ships of the Republic of Genoa.

After crossing the forest, head towards the Tanarello pass from where the road descends on the French side to the Sanson lowlands. Continue in Liguria towards the Allavena refuge, but first make a slight diversion to the 'Balconies of Marta', a plateau with bunkers and military fortifications where the view sweeps from the Alpine peaks to the sea. Back on the main route, at the refuge, the military road joins the asphalt road that reaches the villages at the bottom of the valley, where you will find the cycle path that will take you directly to the beach.

The High Salt Route is a varied and multicoloured itinerary to be shared with fellow adventurers if possible. One hundred kilometres of excitement, endurance and extraordinary satisfaction, with many memories you will carry with you and stories to tell your friends.

Find out more at: www.altaviadelsale.com