Some Sundays are made for going slowly.
Starting directly from Villa Silvestri in Reana del Rojale, we took our bikes and followed the cycle path that runs right past the house, setting off to discover the seven historic mills along the Roggia.
The route follows the water through a landscape of small paths, old trees, fields and quiet corners that seem to belong to another rhythm of life. Again and again, the Roggia appears beside you — sometimes calm and transparent, sometimes moving quickly over the old channels and weirs that once provided energy to the mills.
The mills are part of the history of this landscape. Some still preserve their old structures and water wheels; others reveal themselves more discreetly among gardens, trees and waterways. Cycling between them becomes a way of discovering not only the buildings, but also the relationship between water and the countryside that developed around them.
What we particularly love about this ride is its simplicity. There is no need to drive anywhere or organise an excursion. You leave Villa Silvestri by bicycle and, within minutes, you are surrounded by greenery, following the sound of running water.
It is a route to enjoy without hurry: stopping on a small bridge, looking into the clear water, resting beneath the trees or simply continuing to see what appears around the next bend.
And beyond the mills, the landscape opens towards the Friulian countryside, with the mountains visible in the distance.
For us, this is part of the pleasure of being here: leaving the house on a Sunday morning and discovering that a small journey can begin just outside the door.
Bring a bicycle, take your time, and follow the water.
