Lunigiana is a rural area nestled between valleys and mountains in the north of Tuscany, Italy. Despite its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, the region is seriously underrated; however, a group of local riders are on a mission to promote the area and attract cyclists. The good folks who devised the Lunigiana Trail MTB route ( komoot.com/collection/2104806 ) have listened to the requests of gravel riders and created a new route, Lunigiana Gravel, which makes a clockwise loop of the territory.

This 201-kilometre (125 mi) loop will take you past mediaeval villages and castles, alongside streams to thermal pools, through tunnels in rocks, along ridges, and into sublime panoramas. In this Collection, I’ve divided the route into three stages, each corresponding to a distinct territorial area. The first stage, in the northeast, features ancient roads and streets connecting the region's enchanting mediaeval villages. Moving southward, the second stage presents more demanding terrain, characterised by challenging ascents and exhilarating descents amidst the peaks of the Apuan Alps. The final stretch to the west ascends to the serene ridge of the Ligurian Apennines on the Alta Via – a remote and untamed setting that boasts expansive views all the way to the sea.

The route starts from the capital of the Lunigiana region, Pontremoli, an enchanting mediaeval village that’s easily accessible by train via the Parma-La Spezia line or by car. As it’s a loop, however, you can start anywhere you choose. There’s accommodation in the small villages along the way but I recommend planning ahead. When it comes to food and drink, you’re in for a treat as Lunigiana has an exceptional food and wine culture.

You won’t need to push or carry your bike extensively. There might be a few brief sections where you'll need to push the bike for around 50 metres (160 ft) at most. Despite the superb efforts in marking the route, the unpaved paths in Lunigiana sometimes transition into dirt roads and even rough terrain, along with hills that can resemble mountains. To navigate these landscapes effectively, I recommended tubeless tires around 40 mm or wider, and agile gears. The route is not waymarked so you’ll need a smartphone or GPS device for navigation.

The communes of Bagnone, Equi Terme, Podenzana, Filetto, Pontremoli, Aulla, Fivizzano and Fosdinovo await on this adventure in the land of a hundred castles. Enjoy Lunigiana Gravel!