From Upper Valais to Ticino in five stages. This challenging mountain bike tour explores the Gotthard area, and it starts off spectacularly: at the second highest pass in Switzerland, the Nufenen. The first descent is technical, fast and has some excellent views. It then starts to flow, and the stage ends comfortably along the Rhone Route in Oberwald.

Next stage and next Alpine pass: the post bus takes you from Oberwald to the Furka Pass, where you tackle the so-called “Urschner Höhenweg” trail. On a panoramic path with a superb view across the valley, you pass several small lakes before a winding single trail snakes down to the Hospental valley.

All good things come in threes: next on the biking itinerary is the Oberalp Pass. Or are we by the sea? The lighthouse seems a little out of place up here: it symbolises the source of the Rhine, and it presents a popular photo opportunity. But we are here for mountain biking: the journey continues across the Tiarms Pass, then up and down through three valleys to the destination of Sedrun.

The fourth stage is set to be very flowing: after a cable car ride, the Catrina Flow Trail winds its way down the mountain in waves and curves. It is followed by the crossing to the Bostg with its proliferation of flowers. This is an incredible panoramic mountain near Disentis. The destination is impressive with its Benedictine monastery.

Fourth stage, fourth pass: the postbus takes you conveniently up to the Lukmanier. Passing the Centro Pro Natura Lucomagno, the tour ends in Campra, where the last stage begins. It runs through the sunny valley, the Valle di Blenio. Mule trails, thermal baths, grottos, a castle, museums and vineyards – the final stage once again shows what Ticino has to offer.