The Hemp Valley

A 42-kilometre cycle tour combining history, nature and sustainable transport. A circular route on two wheels to explore the Bologna plain and its extraordinary hydraulic engineering. A flat route, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city by combining train and bike travel.

The adventure begins at Bologna Central Station – where, by boarding a regional train, you can quickly reach Crevalcore railway station, the official starting point of the cycle loop. Once you’ve unloaded your bikes, it takes just a few pedal strokes to leave the town behind and immerse yourself in the silence of the countryside.

The first section of the route runs alongside the Canal Torbido, a historic waterway that was fundamental to Bologna’s drainage network. Cycling along secondary roads and gravel paths, you follow the course of the River Panaro until you reach the hamlet of Palata Pepoli, a small village whose name preserves the historical memory of the Pepoli lords, who once ruled these lands. Continuing to cycle through a peaceful rural landscape, you follow the course of the Rangona Canal. This section leads directly to the Guazzaloca sluice gate, situated on the High Water Collector Canal. It is a fascinating feat of engineering, still crucial today for the hydraulic regulation and environmental safety of the entire surrounding plain. The true natural gem of the route is the Borga Hydraulic Junction. At this strategic point, human intervention and nature have found a perfect balance: the imposing land reclamation works coexist with wetlands rich in biodiversity, making this area the ideal spot for a refreshing break and for birdwatching. After visiting the hydraulic junction, the route heads back towards Crevalcore station, retracing the picturesque paths of the land reclamation. From here, you can easily catch the train back to Bologna.