The journey from Milan to Lecco is truly wonderful and not to be missed. I’ve repeated this route several times now, and each time, it’s an absolute delight.
It starts in Milan, entering the beginning of the Martesana Canal (in the Gioia area). From here, you can comfortably follow the canal along the dedicated bike path, all the way to the vicinity of Cassano D’Adda. From this town, you can join the bike path that follows the course of the Adda River, a path immersed in nature.
As you get closer to Lecco, the mountains, including the unmistakable Mount Resegone, become more and more visible. Arriving in Lecco is quite easy, and the return journey can be conveniently done by train.
One main tip is to avoid peak hours during the beautiful season. Both the Martesana Canal and the Adda River path can be crowded with people out for a stroll.
About the road
The trail is mixed, consisting of a bike path that is sometimes paved, other times covered with gravel or even dirt. A gravel bike is perhaps the best choice to fully enjoy this journey.