Discover the Oltrepò Pavese area by mountain bike with Massimiliano Marisoli. A tour along the most fascinating trails, from Castello Verde to the Oratory of Nostra Signora della Neve. A 22 km adventure immersed in the wild nature of the Oltrepò.
Autumn in theOltrepò Pavese is a perfect season to explore breathtaking landscapes by mountain bike, with its intense colours and cool days. Massimiliano Marisoli, with his new appointment of Pillole d‘Oltrepò, takes us on a discovery of the area, among nature trails and hidden corners, such as the Castello Verde and theOratorio di Nostra Signora della Neve.
Mountain Bike Adventure in the Oltrepò Pavese area
After days of rain, the uncertain weather of the Oltrepò did not stop Massimiliano, who decided to embark on an adventure among mud, wet leaves and the charm of the classic ‘English Greenwood’ landscape. His destination? A castle discovered almost by chance during a previous outing on Trail 184, which leads him to plan a mountain bike tour among historical paths and mule tracks.
The Route: Between Trail and Nature
The hike starts between Casa Andrini and Casa Pannattieri, below Monte Tre Termini. The ground conditions are favourable, despite the recent rains, and the trails are clean. To reach Castello Verde, Massimiliano has two choices: Trail 101 A or the variant Trail 101, both of which are ideal for connecting to Trail 101 B towards Pietragavina.
Choosing Trail 101, the route passes through the scenic landscapes of Rosara and Costa della Crocetta, where a stop to admire the view of Oramala Castle is a must. From here, the trail offers several variations that connect to Trail 184, a route through chestnut groves that leads directly to Castello Verde.
The Castello Verde and the Oratory of Our Lady of the Snow
Trail 184 is the beating heart of this mountain bike adventure in the Oltrepò Pavese. The trail enters a chestnut forest, with the ground covered with leaves and chestnuts creating a fairytale atmosphere. The fog and weather conditions make the experience similar to the forests of Northern Europe, making the excursion even more fascinating.
Finally, Maximilian reaches the Green Castle and theOratory of Our Lady of the Snow, an enchanted place that offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. After a short break, the choice is between retracing one‘s steps or exploring further wilder and more challenging trails.
Exploring the Hidden Paths of Oltrepò
The desire to explore leads Massimiliano to continue along Trail 185, a challenging path through fog and slippery terrain. Here, among scree and mule tracks, he discovers the Grotta dei Partigiani, a hidden corner that adds a touch of history to this adventure.
Returning to Trail 184, Maximilian closes his tour towards Varzi, crossing a chestnut grove immersed in fog and enveloped in a typically British atmosphere. The arrival in Varzi, illuminated by the light of sunset, marks the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Conclusion: a mountain bike tour that leaves its mark
The return to Varzi, with the mountain bike loaded and a smile on his lips, marks the end of a perfect day. Massimiliano Marisoli bids farewell to his friends from Focus Oltrepò, promising new adventures and discoveries, always riding his trusty MTB, in search of other castles and hidden paths.
Technical data of the MTB excursion in Oltrepò
- Total distance: 22.30 km
- Travelling time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Ascent: 9.89 km
- Descent: 10.14 km
Don‘t miss the next appointment with Pillole d‘Oltrepò, to discover new corners of the Oltrepò Pavese by mountain bike and enjoy another unique experience in contact with wild nature!
