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Valle Seriana cycle route from Ranica - Villa di Serio to Colzate |
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The cycling itinerary along the valley follows the path of the river Serio and runs mainly along the valley in a straight line. Departure is from Ranica and Villa di Serio, along two forks that cross at various points until Albino where the two paths join and continue as one. From Albino, the inter-municipal cycle path follows the river to reach Vertova, and from here it continues to Ponte Nossa until it reaches Clusone. The itinerary runs mainly along its own path and has many cycling tourism and recreational attractions. The path follows the river, in some places adding to the value of the riverbank and the flood areas, even exploiting the path of the former railroad and in others using existing tracks, country paths and fluvial trails along the streams. This path favours modern, dynamic tourism which, with recreational, cultural and sports activities leads us to the discovery of the territory by making the best use of historic, architectural and environmental resources in a specific manner.
Valle Seriana cycle route altimetry
Starting from the public park in via Conciliazione in Ranica, cross the tramway lines and take the downhill left in via Manzoni. After the first stop sign, turn left into via San Dionisio while at the second stop turn right, cross the road and take via Saleccia on the left. Follow the road until you get to the bank of the Serio River, cross the river using the old bridge. On the other side of the river cross the main road and take the cycle path on the left between the river and the main road, after a few hundred metres pass under the road to go towards the power station. Behind the power station the cycle path stops for a few hundred metres and it is necessary to continue on the main road. Back on the protected cycle path continue straight on, passing the suspended gangway that takes to Nembro. Continuing along the banks of the Serio the path continues for a short distance below the main road, until it reaches another arched gangway, leading to the Nembro sports centre.
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Coti stones
These are abrasive stones used to sharpen metal tools and blades. It is one of the more characteristic products of the lower Val Seriana area, and the advantages offered by these stones have been known for thousands of years. Coti Stone as a valuable local resource was important especially in the past, when the main area of production was agriculture and tools sharpened using this stone remained sharp for a very long time. |
 Pedalling along the left orographic bank, you pass below the Shrine of Saint Rocco, reaching Albino and the medieval stone bridge with three arches, which you will use to cross the river. This part of the cycle path passes through willow shrubs and locust trees, ending at the Prato Alto passageway, where you will cross the Serio once again.
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Climbing at Valgua
Valgua is a climbing area established about twenty years ago and equipped for sports, thanks to the diligence of an active group of equippers. It is possible to enjoy oneself and face the challenge of a large number of routes that are never straightforward but require a good slab climbing technique. All the nails on the itineraries have been replaced recently and new areas have been equipped, accesses fixed up and signposts and notice boards have been positioned. |
The well-equipped area of Prato Alto leads to the wooden passageway that crosses the Serio and to another small bridge below the parish church of Cene; cross the games park to reach the end of the path. Continue along the normal road for a short way until you reach a games park where the path picks up again along its separate path. Cross the river safely on the passageway and continue between the slip road and the Serio River until you reach a cycle-pedestrian crossroad. The cycle path ends after the tunnel passageway, turn right into via Salici until you reach the crossroad with via Gelmi, take this uphill road and turn right into via Terruzzi. After the traffic roundabout turn right into via Donatori di Sangue until you reach the cemetery and then turn right into via Donizetti. At the first crossroad on the left, the cycle path starts again. Follow it until you reach the banks of the river; use the two passageways to cross the river, touching on the small islet of “Buschina”. Follow the left bank along the edge of the meadows and small undergrowth until you reach the foot of the bushy cliff that rises up to the countryside around Casnigo; cross the river again to reach the municipal areas of Vertova and Colzate at the foot of the lovely Shrine of San Patrizio.
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Prato Alto
The Prato Alto nature park covers approximately four acres, along the banks of the Serio River. The original forest has been partly modified in structure and in the composition of its flora, but it is still well represented in parts of the area. It is necessary to protect this habitat in order to prevent it from disappearing completely: Prato Alto offers valuable examples of the vegetation that once characterised the fluvial landscape along the middle part of the Serio River. |
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