The Verva Loop

Through the Val Verva up to Grosio, between extreme slopes and adrenaline-pumping descents 

If you love gravel in its most natural form this is the tour for you! 

Here we cross the Val Verva together as far as Grosio, retracing the road that led the troops of General Cane in 1300 to the County of Bormio. 

The starting point is always in the splendid scenery of the Laghi di Cancano which together with the Lago delle Scale and the Torri di Fraele constitute a mixture of nature, history and culture.

Val Verva Gravel Bike route

The first part of the route is ideal for warming up and preparing your legs for the sometimes steep and difficult slopes of the climb that leads to Passo Verva. Along the perfectly flat Decauville, the landscape will flow quickly passing from the initial tranquille part with views of the valley floor, to the conifer woods that cover the slope of Mount Rocca in the shadow of the Foscagno pass. Riding for now will be comfortable and easy thanks to the constantly maintained dirt road with a mixture of curves and straights, sun and shade that will entertain everyone, especially those who want to "put the foot on the gas".

After crossing the Arnoga intersection, you enter a new valley, Val Viola, which from there other valleys open up, including Val Verva. To get to the start of the climb there are two options: the traditional one passing over the main road which then descends at the crossroads to Verva until it crosses the river, or the narrower but very characteristic "low path".

The initial part of the climb is definitely the most challenging, one that will test your legs and fitness. In fact, the stretch of hairpin bends with a tarred surface is rather difficult but it is not impossible gradients, thanks also to the ratio of gears provided by your bike.

The second half is made challenging due to the uneven ground. The pass is at an altitude of 2314 meters above sea level and is the highest point of your tour. Now a very long descent awaits you that will take you down to Grosio at an altitude of 656 meters above sea level.

The descent will be technical in the first part down to Eita where you return to the asphalt, so take care. Once you reach the valley floor in Grosio the return to Bormio is via the cycle path of the Valtellina which is very well signposted and free from traffic.