Bicycle journey through the austere nature and millennial history of Upper Molise, a small but true territory where human traditions are well established and have been handed down precious for generations.

From Agnone, the small “capital” of Upper Molise, where the art of creating hand bells is celebrated, we pedal to the quaint village of Pescopennataro, with views of the Maiella, until we slide into the Sangro Valley and land at Castel del Giudice, a symbol of Molise’s rebirth.

Following the waters of the Sangro, a river popular with canoeists and rafters, there is also time to reach the “Cima Coppi” of the route, rising to 1,400 m. of Capracotta.

Itinerary featured in the Guidebook Viatoribus “Italia in Bici con Gusto”

Itinerary description:
The loop route is 54 km long, starting and ending near Agnone.
You leave the village passing near the hospital, following SP 86 dir. steadily uphill for about 6 km (some of the tears are challenging). Arriving at the Guado Liscia refuge, a 3-kilometer descent begins, followed by a climb to Pescopennataro, a charming place overlooking the Abruzzi lands dominated by the Maiella.
Having visited the village, we pedal on SP 84 for 10 km of airy descent to Castel del Giudice in Val di Sangro. After a walk through the village, you reinforce your bike to go back on the same road for 5 km uphill to the junction where, turning right, you will arrive in 7 km at Capracotta on a continuous uphill.
We are at the highest point of the trail (1400 m), on the slopes of Monte Campo, in the watershed between the Sangro and Verrino valleys. From here it is possible to make a detour to Vastogirardi or take the beautiful road (SP 87) that descends halfway down the mountainside to the Guado Liscia refuge, from where it is downhill back to Agnone.

Route type: loop
Length: 54 km
Elevation gain: 1160 m
Downhill elevation gain: 1160 m
Highest point: 1411 m
Lowest point: 780 m
Type of surface: asphalt

Technical tips:
The route has a significant elevation gain (1,160 m.) and is challenging. With the detour to Vastogirardi the total route increases to 67 km and the elevation gain to 1,670 m.

Municipality of departure: Agnone
Starting location: Agnone
Municipality of arrival: Agnone
Place of arrival: Agnone

Recommended period: March to October