An abandoned railway becomes a breathtaking cycling track

The idea of making the old Spoleto – Norcia railway into a cycling track is recent. Even though it’s located in the sweet Umbria it is an arduous route which required special solutions. It dates back to the 1926 and it represented a real engineering masterpiece. Its first project was realized in 1912 by the engineer Erwin Thomas who had already built the Swiss railroad of Lötschberg.

It was closed in 1968 and, after many years of disuse, the old route is becoming more and more popular and appreciated also abroad because of its winding tunnels, breathtaking landscapes and the striking bridge over the river Cortaccione.

Every year a cycling meeting takes place in the late Summer and the number of participants is improving, in 2015 more than 700 people colored the trail with their t-shirts, rucksacks and helmets. It’s the perfect occasion to visit this spectacular area, enjoying a day surrounded by nature.

We feature lovely properties in the nearby, from apartments to private villas for larger parties:

Santamaria Cottage is situated on a Umbrian estate immersed in the countryside with unspoilt views all around. The cottage has its own terrace overlooking the swimming pool.

Corbezzolo UL is an apartment, part of a farmhouse close to the pretty hill town of Todi. In the gardens is a swimming pool with hydro massage corner.