After two days of climbing our feet were certainly starting to feel uncomfortable, so we decided to take a break for climbing and headed off on a cycle around Lake Garda. The route itself was around 89km of cycling, which was split up by a ferry across Lake Garda in the middle.
We set off in the morning sun from the campsite and had a very pleasurable cycle down to Lake Garda on cycle paths with wonderful scenery. We then soon joined the road down the east side of Lake Garda which was very scenic but unfortunately not in the sun for most of the ride down the lake, although this did prevent us from getting too hot! The road was really enjoyable without much ascent, not too much traffic and excellent views over Lake Garda. All too soon we were at Torri del Benaco, where we caught the boat from. We arrived perfectly timed 10mins before a ferry left, so after quickly buying a ticket and carefully walking onto the boat in cycling shoes, we were soon off across the lake on a very smooth crossing.
After we crossed the lake we wanted to find somewhere for lunch and a decent break before cycling back. As it was mid October lots of places were shut, however we found a lakeside restaurant which served a two person seafood dish which was very enjoyable, if a little too large!
Feeling very full we set off on the route back, which was definitely more hilly however was slightly spoiled by the amount of time we spent in tunnels with no view. However this was made up for by the times where we were slightly higher and looking out over the lake.
After another short drinks stop, we were soon at the new walkway around the north west portion of the lake, while it was much slower than staying on the road, it was certainly an experience, cycling suspended over a large drop with fantastic views of the lake. At the end of the cyclepath we had to climb over a fence to get back onto the road which was slightly unexpected. It was then only a short cycle to the chaos of the roads in Riva del Garda, before the short ride back to Arco and the end of the cycle.
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