Giro Monte Alto

This route includes, for a good part of its length, the climb to Monte Alto (650 m). It is indicated for those who are already fit or for those willing to walk sections with the bike in hand. In return, one is rewarded with a vast and spectacular panorama and a long and satisfying descent. The departure is near the historic Palazzo Bargnani-Dandolo, currently the municipal seat. Exiting Adro in the direction of Capriolo, a little chapel indicates the way that enters the plain enclosed by the hills. After a kilometer, having finished the asphalt, one follows the hill until a farmhouse blocks the path; continuing to the left, between the vineyards, we arrive at Via Colzano and head towards Capriolo, where we enter uphill through an arch. The public fountain here should be taken into consideration for the ascent we are about to face. Via Paratico, in a couple of bends, leads to the short detour to the sixteenth-century castle. After the visit, we resume the dirt road, continuing on Via S. Onofrio and then on Via degli Alpini. Here the route at height allows us to look out, on one side, towards Montorfano and, on the other, towards the riverbed of the Oglio. Very interesting are the evident and extensive rock layers of limestone and marl. At the chapel of the Alpini, the road climbs steeply, progressing with some cemented stretches close to Monte Alto, until, near a chestnut grove, it turns right and becomes level, allowing to catch one's breath and enjoy the woods. Arriving at a junction, we take left uphill and at the subsequent fork we go right. The summit is now near: we remain at height travelling a steep dirt track with an uneven bottom that may force us to continue with the bike beside us. On the right, we meet multiple shooting boxes, while on the left, the view extends over the entire Franciacorta; in particular, the arch of the morainic hills that runs from Camignone to Nigoline is well 'legible'. For those who wish, about halfway up the climb, one can take the path down to Colombaro and after that we will take the direction towards Clusane d'Iseo. Arriving at Villa Campiani, we take the dirt road that climbs the mountain, crossing various vineyards, bringing us back to the summit cross. The viewpoint is truly spectacular, as it overlooks the Torbiere and Lake Iseo. After crossing the pass, being careful on the left as it may be not very visible, the second descent begins for some technical sections that will take us near Adro. At the end of the descent, it is possible to take the asphalt to return to the starting point, or to make a short climb towards Corno Nero with a descent towards the bell tower.