The loop begins in Sion with a flat ride to Châteauneuf. Here an unsurfaced section – suitable for all tyres – plunges into nature. The trail leads under a canopy of trees along the river Morge, which rises at the Sanetsch Pass, to the vineyards and the first climb. This is dramatic, but so is the scenery: terraced vineyards and hills offering a vivid experience of the Mediterranean-style landscapes and vegetation that characterise the lower slopes of the Rhône valley.

On reaching the hamlets that make up Savièse, the rewards are delightful: a flattish route, varied landscapes (hamlets, orchards, vineyards, forests) and a view across the Rhône valley to the majestic peaks beyond – such as the Dent Blanche (4,357 m) in the Val d’Hérens. From Grimisuat, another unsurfaced section introduces a climb along a winding and shady route. The glimpses of the floor of the Rhône valley and the fields of aromatic herbs (welcome to Ricola territory) distract from the efforts of the climb to the highest point of the itinerary: the pretty village of Arbaz, located a few kilometres from the resort of Anzère. A flat section of route offers riders a chance to get their breath back – before the superb panoramic views take it away again.

From St-Romain (starting point for the route to Rawyl and its dam/reservoir), caution is advised. The magnificent vineyards and the fine views of the floor of the Rhône valley divert attention from the route, which is narrow and steep. It’s best to slow down and make photo stops. The route rejoins the valley floor at Uvrier/St-Léonard, among orchards. Here it follows the river Lienne (which rises at Rawyl) to the Rhône and its long-distance cycle trail, the Rhone Route N°1 (Andermatt–Geneva). Closed to motorised traffic, this lane offers a fine view of the twin sentinels that are the pride of Sion: the castles of Valère and Tourbillon, dramatically perched on neighbouring crags. At their feet, Sion’s Old Town boasts many restaurants with sun terraces that offer an opportunity to taste the fruits of the fields, orchards and vineyards along the ride: the ultimate reward.