4.The Sarca Valley and Lake Cavedine: from Arco to Sarche

The itinerary follows the course of the River Sarca. Starting in Arco, you cycle up the river valley as far as Sarche. On the way back, you pass by Lake Cavedine, a small body of water near the Marocche.

The route generally follows the cycle path running along the river bank through farmland and orchards, mostly apples but also plums, and vineyards. You are in the heart of the Sarca Valley, an area with a long tradition of farming. On the way back however, at the northern end, you head towards Lake Cavedine. The lake was formed by the damming of the river by the Marocche landslide and today it is a natural oasis much loved by fishermen and sports lovers.

The itinerary presents no particular difficulties, apart from a short uphill stretch on a cement road where you can always simply get off and push your bike.

Head off from the car park situated at the bridge in Arco where the cycle path begins. Shortly after, you pass the Climbing Stadium on your left, the venue for the Rock Master championship, one of the most important climbing competitions in the world. Follow the road signs so that you are cycling along with the river on your left and the vineyards on your right. 

At the end of the cycle path turn left onto a side road which takes you into the little hamlet of Ceniga. Here you turn onto the first road on the right, then take the first left and cross through the centre. Continue on straight through vineyards until you come to a slight rise; turn right and then, at the end of the road, right again. At the stop sign, turn right once more and go onto the roundabout where you take the third exit. A sign on the side of the road gives directions for the cycle path. Cycle for a short distance among the houses until you come to the start of the cycle path which is protected and for bikes only.

This trail is well signposted and passes through vineyards. The River Sarca is always flowing on the left of the cycle path which takes you to the Fies power station. Here, continue along the cycle path.
Be careful! In this area there is a short cement road that is very steep.
You are now passing through the protected area of the Marocche. Continue on the gentle rise with the River Sarca still on your left. After a downhill stretch you come to Pietramurata. Follow directions for the cycle path as you cross the centre and then go back onto the cycle path as it runs north beside the river.

At the end of the cycle path turn right and then immediately turn left; at the roundabout take the second exit in the direction of Ponte Oliveti / Pergolese. Continue on down the main road, with vineyards on either side and cross through the centre of Pergolese; continue down the main road and you come to Lake  Cavedine.

Cycle along the shore to the end of the lake. Here you begin the uphill stretch which takes you into the heart of the Marocche, the largest post-glacial landslide in the Alps. You pass the brow of the hill and start to run downhill again. Stay on the right and pay attention. At the stop sign, turn onto a straight stretch followed by two bends and another straight stretch: here you will find directions for the cycle path, so follow them down to the right. At the end of the road turn left onto the cycle path which leads to Dro. Ride through the centre and continue on to the little hamlet of Ceniga. Towards the end of the village follow directions for the Roman bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left, taking a laneway which winds between the River Sarca on the left and the rock face of Monte Colodri on the right. Keep going straight until you get back to where you started from.

Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino