Itinerary

Exploring the Strada delle Mele Pinerolese (Pinerolese Apple Route) by bike is not just a sport: it’s an experience that takes you through blossoming orchards, historic villages and open countryside at the foot of the Cottian Alps. With a total route length of over 100 kilometres, this route offers a mosaic of landscapes ready to surprise you round every bend.

A challenge or a leisurely ride? It’s up to you. The beauty of the Strada delle Mele Pinerolese lies in its versatility. The entire loop is a stimulating route which, when tackled in its entirety (and therefore including the challenging section leading to Prarostino), offers great satisfaction thanks to a varying elevation gain that puts your legs and lungs to the test, rewarding your effort with scenic descents and unforgettable views.

But don’t let the figures put you off: the Strada delle Mele Pinerolese is for everyone.

• For those who love a slow ride: you can choose to cycle shorter loops, all on flat terrain, rejoining the main route at various points.
• Plan your route according to the time you have available: an hour for a coffee in the square in Pinerolo and a cycle through the apple orchards, or a whole day exploring the Pinerolo area? The choice is yours.

Whether you’re riding a conventional bike (trekking or MTB, but bear in mind that the route is mainly tarmac) or a modern e-bike, perfect for tackling the toughest climbs, you’ll always find a section suited to your ability. Every stage is an opportunity to stop, sample some apple juice or a local speciality, or visit one of the towns along the route.

You don’t need to be a cycling champion to experience the Strada delle Mele Pinerolese: all you need is the desire to discover the area from a new perspective.

 

The route winds along mainly tarmac roads, mostly through the countryside. This is the ‘easier’ version of the route, which does not include the detour with the splendid climb up to Prarostino (recommended only to the fittest cyclists).

The route offers a charming, leisurely cycle, first exploring Pinerolo (almost entirely on cycle paths) and then the other 13 villages you’ll come across along the way, each with its own unique character and unexpected views.

Route note: we should also mention a short but somewhat challenging ‘steep stretch’ to reach the Chiesa del Colletto (between Roletto and Pinerolo), which can be avoided by taking the cycle path back to Pinerolo, without climbing up towards the Colletto.

The most challenging section of the Pinerolo Apple Route, featuring an adrenaline-fuelled descent. A loop surrounded by nature, recommended only for the fittest cyclists or those riding an e-bike.

This loop, an integral part of the Pinerolo Apple Route, starts in Miradolo (a hamlet of San Secondo di Pinerolo).

Short variant: however, anyone coming from Pinerolo who wishes to avoid it can turn left onto Via Cardonata and continue along the route.