From Scilano round to the bridge at Belfort.

Among the wealth of bicycling routes open to the public in recent months, one of the most striking is the one which leaves Scilano at Piuro and heads off to Belfort. It’s a circular route of around 2.7km and in autumn represents a perfect family outing along which all manner of charming and little-known corners lie in wait.
The route covers the entire Scilano plain following the left bank of the river Mera in and around Borgonuovo, at Piuro.The bridge is a natural setting off point, conveniently flat, and stays initially on the right bank, and follows a route parallel to the SS37 between the road and the river.The section is paved until you leave the area flanked by housing when it becomes more of a dirt track. In no time at all you find yourself at Belfort and can appreciate the remains of the ancient mansion dating back to the 1500’s which was destroyed by the huge landslide of 1618 which swept away most of Piuro itself. It’s well worth taking a break from the bike and having a good look at what’s left of this once-noble stately home. A combined Italian-Swiss Association has worked hard to open up the excavations allowing access to the crotto area and the vast terraced gardens. It’s a place noted for its tranquillity and charm. Once mobile again the route moves on towards the east and takes in a fine bridge which links the two river banks. The gravel path climbs ever so slightly leading to the via Scilano. The landscape all around is an absolute delight: from the intersection which dominates the whole valley floor, right up to the magnificent Acqua Fraggi waterfalls.
At this point the path takes a right turn, downhill as far as the little fountain, then straight on and into woodland. A little further on, across two streams you meet the junction for Chiavenna: here you can either make your way steadily down to the little town (around 5km) or continue to the right - back to the bridge where your outing started off.