Ancient streets and landscapes around the town of Montecatini

This ring route touches the slopes of the enchanting medieval village of Montecatini Val di Cecina. It starts in the town square and descends southwards along the old road indicated in the Leopoldine land register as “Via delle Moie”, which once led to the Volterra’s saltworks. The route stands out for its breathtaking views of towards Volterra and the upper Val di Cecina: woods, open areas with rocky outcrops, abandoned terraced cultivation, dry stone walls made of selagite stones, now recovered and covered with olive trees again. The selagite, scattered all over the place and quarried on several fronts along this itinerary, is unique to this area and was already used by the Etruscans and the Romans. While going back to the village you can also admire the remains of ancient chestnut groves and, in the final part, the Fonte della Madonna, a large building recently restored and partially rebuilt (in 1681 according to a stone). The last part of the route follows the old, still paved medieval road leading to Volterra, which may already have been there in the time of Ancient Rome. Finally, you can pay a visit to the medieval town with its perfectly preserved and deeply charming castle.

Hiking difficulty scale

T - Tourist

Itineraries on small roads, mule tracks or easy paths, with clearly evident routes that do not pose uncertainties or problems of orientation. They generally take place below 2000 m and usually constitute access to mountain pastures or refuges. They require some knowledge of the mountain environment and physical preparation for walking.

E - Hiking

Routes that almost always turn on paths, or on traces of passage in various terrain (pastures, debris, stony ground), usually with signs. They require a certain sense of orientation, as well as a certain experience and knowledge of the mountainous territory, walking training, as well as appropriate footwear and equipment. Normally the difference in altitude is between 500 and 1000m.

EE - Expert hikers

Routes not always marked and which require a good ability to move on various mountain terrains. They can be paths or even faint traces that wind over rough or steep terrain, with steep and slippery slopes, scree and short snowfields that can be overcome without the use of climbing equipment. They need a good mountain experience, firm footing and good physical preparation. It is also necessary to have adequate equipment and equipment, as well as a good sense of direction. Normally the difference in height is greater than 1000m.

EEA - Expert hikers with mountaineering equipment

Routes that require the use of via ferrata equipment (lanyards, harness, heat sink, helmet, etc.). They can be equipped paths or real via ferratas. It is necessary to know how to use the technical equipment safely and have a certain habit of exposure and mountaineering terrain.

MTB difficulty scale

TC - Tourist

Route on dirt roads with a compact and smooth surface, suitable for vehicles.

BC - For cyclists with good technical skills

Route on very bumpy dirt roads or on mule tracks and paths with a rather bumpy but fairly smooth surface or compact but irregular, with some natural obstacles (eg rock steps or roots).

OC - For cyclists with excellent technical skills

As above but on very bumpy and / or very irregular paths, with significant presence of obstacles.

EC - Maximum level for the cycle excursionist

Path on very irregular paths, characterized by steps and obstacles in continuous succession, which require trial-type techniques.