The full route is about 35 km long, with an elevation gain of about 1,470 metres. It is an itinerary that we recommend you tackle with a front or full MTB or e-bike as the terrain it features is mostly unpaved and bumpy. You will ride for the most part on a military road with a single-track course, where all your hard work and sweat will be rewarded by the unspoiled beauty of the surrounding landscapes and nature. 

The route starts from Vinadio, a small town in the Stura Valley, brimming with history and traditions. You can visit the Albertino fort, one of the most significant examples of military architecture in the Alps and home to “Montagna in Movimento”, a multimedia path that tells the story of our valleys through the voices of the protagonists.

From the square at the end of the village, go down towards the valley and after a few metres take Via Divisione Cuneese. You will immediately find yourself pedalling up a hard asphalt climb that will take you to the remains of Forte Neghino. The work, built in 1875 to defend the Vallone di Neirassa and Vinadio from possible invasions, is surrounded by a large moat, without the drawbridge and therefore cannot be visited. On the opposite side you can see the similar fortifications of the Serziera and Piroat Forts, also responsible for defending the fortification of the pass.

You’ll continue on a smooth but steep single-track. After this stretch of descent to the coast you will return to climb on asphalt in the direction of the hamlets of Neirassa. From the village you will see that the panorama opens up, offering you the opportunity to admire the wonderful landscapes hidden in this valley. 

Continue on a slight slope towards Neraissa Superiore, where you will have to leave the paved road and continue following the signs on a long military dirt road with a perfect surface. Continue on the military road, with a constant slope for about 5 km until you reach the panoramic hill of Neirassa. Once on the hill, before embarking on the descent, you can see the remains of a large two-storey barracks, the extensive panorama of the Alta Valle Stura and Mount Nebius, a Dolomite-like mountain.

The descent on Sambuco that you will face takes you along a very striking path, but with a very bumpy dirt road surface that requires good technical skills and a great deal of care and attention, especially in the sections where it is more irregular. In some of the more exposed parts, or when you have to cross a short stretch on a slightly exposed stony track, we advise you to get off your bike and wheel it by hand. The less experienced are advised to return on the same route as the outward journey. 

After passing the small village of Chiardoletta, you get to Sambuco, a mountain village located at over 1,000 m above sea level. Since these are paths frequented by hikers, always be careful and vigilant, especially on the descents. 

After crossing the village of Sambuco, the return route is on asphalt as far as Vinadio. Along the route you will find red notches that reiterate the signage on the signpost, the triangle with two circles, and these should help you get your bearings.

Download Cycling and Cycling Tourism Itineraries in the Province of Cuneo