7. Pettenasco (Lake Orta) to Porto Ceresio (Lake Lugano)

3 May 2022

Mostly a great day’s ride today.

Except for our first bit of rain! Not too bad…but made the first hour a bit miserable…as we headed up the shore of Lake Orta. 

We had expected to have to ride over a saddle to get across to Lake Maggiore…but it was mostly downhill, with Orta evidently feeding into Maggiore!

We found a cycle path to take us off the fairly busy road beside the Toce River…and it was pleasant cycling as we approached Verbania…and Intra, for coffee…and the ferry!

A 4km crossing which as you will see from the map saved an enormous detour around the lake!!

Across to Laveno-Mombello, and once across the lake..the roads were noticeably quieter, and only a few kms out…we came across a wonderful bike path which ran for around 30+ km. And so happy we were following the path, we completely missed our turn-off…and ended up back on Lake Maggiore!!

The route from Luino to Ponte Tresa…followed another river running along the Italian Swiss border. Again..with plenty of water running towards us, I was again expecting a big pass to get over to reach Lake Lugano…but no! A gentle climb…and there was Lugano! Evidently we had followed the outlet river to Lugano…also flowing into Maggiore!

The ride down the shore of Lugano was delightful. Much quieter….with the foreshore much more accessible than usual!

And arrived at Porto Ceresio at around 3. A delightful wee town. Still in Italy…but only just!!

We had not booked anywhere…and when we did find somewhere they could not check us in until 6…which was a bit of a pain. But when old Mama did turn up she was delightful and the wee house just lovely. Not a word of English…but we communicated quite the thing. And she went back to her own house and came back to drop off coffee and water!! What a gem!

So…now…sitting lakeside…and enjoying a beer! Perfect!

…and on to Lake Como tomorrow!