Technical Sheet
Starting and finishing point: Marmore
Distance: 20 km.
Total ascent: 150 metres
Grade: easy
Road surface: asphalt
Recommended type of bike: road or hybrid
Places to visit in the area: Marmore Falls, Piediluco village, Lake Piediluco, Papigno
Route no. 9 is a particularly easy one, being both short and fairly flat, but is also a very beautiful one, taking in the River Velino, the quiet waters of Lake Piediluco, and the majestic 165 metres-high Marmore Falls, which were created by Man in the year 290 BC, and channel the waters of the Velino into the River Nera below.
It is thus an easy, pleasant cycle ride through an area of considerable natural beauty, suited both to the more experienced cyclist who wishes to enjoy the superb views in peace and quiet, and to the most inexperienced of cyclists.
The route begins at Campacci Park, at Marmore next to the famous waterfall, and from here you ride out in a leftward direction towards Oiediluco, cycling on the flat alongside the River Velino.
At km.2.5, keep to the left and continue cycling towards Piediluco, and then at km.5 turn right, following the signs for the village of Piediluco once again, which you eventually come to another 500 metres further on.
The village is situated right on the banks of the lake named after it, and as such represents a great opportunity to take a relaxing break from your cycling and to enjoy the remarkable peace and quiet of this corner of Umbria.
From Piediluco (see ‘photo above left), famous for its traditionally colourful houses, follow the signs to Rieti, and at km. 10.5, turn right onto the SP4 towards Colli sul Velino. A kilometre or so of rolling countryside, take the turning to your right towards Lago di Ventina, and cycle along this quiet country lane in the middle of the lush green countryside, which leads to the lakeside opposite the village of Piediluco.
At km. 17 you come to a junction just after the bridge over the Velino: take the road to your left in the direction of Terni, and ride back along the same road you took on your way out towards the lake, a further 3 kilometres on and you are back at the starting point.
Things not to miss
One place you must visit is the Marmore Falls (Cascate delle Marmore), a waterfall that was engineered by Man in the year 290 BC upon orders from the Roman consul Manio Curio Dentato: this waterfall channels the water of the River Velino into the River Nera, some 165 metres below.
Another place well worth a visit is the delightfully peaceful Lake Piediluco, surrounded by beech-covered hills, situated close to the regional border with Lazio. This small lake is a wonderful spot for dinghy-sailing, canoeing and water-skiing. The village of Piediluco located on the side of the lake is characterised, among other things, by its colourful houses, while arising up form the lake’s waters is Echo Mount, named after the echoes up to two hendecasyllables in length that bounce off its slopes.
The Papigno film studios – where famous movies such as “La Vita è Bella” and “Pinocchio” were filmed - are situated not far way from Piediluco.
Umbria’s second city, Terni, is also just a few kilometres away, as are the attractive villages of Arrone and Ferentillo (where you can visit the Abbey of San Pietro in Valle, a very interesting medieval site) situated in the lower section of the Valnerina, a favourite area for lovers of outdoor sports such as rock-climbing, canoeing and rafting.
