The Nera Cycle Route, in the section from Sant’Anatolia di Narco to the Marmore Waterfall, forms part of the wider and more demanding Greenway del Nera loop and connects the former Spoleto–Norcia railway with the lower Valnerina and its villages, running for long stretches also alongside the Via di Francesco.

The itinerary extends for just over 28 kilometres, alternating between asphalt and gravel surfaces, and always following secondary roads with limited vehicular traffic. The route does not present particularly demanding climbs, but rather a succession of short ups and downs, sometimes steep; the most significant ascent is approximately 1 kilometre long and leads from the valley floor to the historic centre of Sant’Anatolia di Narco.

The route follows the course of the Nera River, constantly immersed in woodland and cultivated fields, offering a particularly pleasant and often shaded ride. In this stretch of the Valnerina, several villages are perched on the surrounding hills. True gems of the area include Sant’Anatolia di Narco, Scheggino, Ceselli, Ferentillo, Arrone and Casteldilago, all of which deserve a short visit to their historic centres, perhaps combined with a taste of the excellent local food and wine.

Ferentillo, a picturesque village dominated by two fortresses, is home to the fascinating Museum of Mummies and a well-known climbing crag located just outside the town.

The final kilometres of the route develop through scenic woodland sections; after crossing a small bridge, the itinerary continues towards the Lower Belvedere, at the foot of the impressive Marmore Waterfall, which marks the end of this evocative cycle route in the heart of the Valnerina.

The first stage of this green route leads from the heart of Assisi to Bevagna,, a charming village located in the Umbrian Valley.

With the exception of the first kilometres leaving Assisi, the route follows roads with very little traffic, making for a pleasant ride and allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the Umbrian countryside and Franciscan sites in complete tranquillity. The route is fully signposted, making it easy to follow without the risk of getting lost.

The stage presents no significant elevation challenges and is therefore suitable for cyclists of all levels, including families with children; only a bit of attention is required at intersections. Almost entirely on asphalt, it features some uneven sections, potholes and bumps, making it unsuitable for road bikes but ideal for all other types of bicycles.

This enjoyable route offers the opportunity to discover the Umbrian Valley from new perspectives, proceeding at a relaxed pace and soaking in the atmosphere of Assisi, from the Church of San Niccolò to the Sanctuary of Rivotorto, the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Santa Maria degli Angeli, the banks of the Topino River, the centre of Cannara and finally Bevagna.
If you are well trained, you can continue on to Spoleto in a single day, covering a total of around 50 km, mostly flat; alternatively, you can extend the route slightly and reach the village of Montefalco.

The second stage starts again from Bevagna – either skirting the town along its ancient walls or passing through the historic centre and its beautiful Piazza Filippo Silvestri – and continues entirely along a paved cycle path that runs alongside the embankments of the Teverone and Maroggia rivers.

The route, which is always well signposted, is completely flat and presents no elevation difficulties, making it an excellent opportunity for beginners and families with children to approach cycling and discover Umbria in a slow and relaxed way.

The itinerary unfolds gently across the Umbrian Valley, offering within just a few kilometres stunning views of the hillside villages of the Serano and Brunette Mountains (Trevi, Pigge, Campello sul Clitunno) as well as the Martani Hills, dominated by the profile of Montefalco. Some of these locations can be easily reached via short detours along roads that may also be busy – particular caution is required when cycling along the SS3 Flaminia.

Within a few flat kilometres, you can also reach Bovara, home to the 12th-century Abbey of San Pietro and the Olive Tree of Saint Emiliano, one of the oldest trees in Umbria; the medieval village of Pissignano; the Temple of Clitunno; and the Springs of Clitunno, an ideal place to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The Castle of San Giacomo is also worth a visit.

The route ends just outside Spoleto, at the bike grill of the Terminal. From here, via a connecting stretch on ordinary roads, you can reach the historic centre of Spoleto or join the former Spoleto–Norcia railway route.

Those wishing to return to Assisi can take advantage of the bus service (with an additional ticket for bicycle transport) or the train along the Spoleto–Assisi line, checking in advance whether bicycle transport is available on board.