The villages of Micciano and Libbiano and the Monterufoli forest

This ring route uses only cart roads and roads with no traffic and will allow you to visit an important part of the Monterufoli-Caselli Reserve, the Fosso Adio valley. You will thus discover an unspoilt area, mostly wooded, with sweeping views of the Trossa Valley, the Colline Metallifere, the Volterra area and the Lower Val di Cecina. Before setting off, a short path behind the old cemetery leads to a rocky spur much loved by the inhabitants and called the “Pizzo di Micciano”, from which you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the Reserve.

The small road, which unwinds like an amphitheatre around the Adio valley and is for long stretches deeply immersed in the forest, alternating with areas of serpentine rock outcrops characterised by extraordinary spring blooms, such as the mountain tulip, narcissus and various species of orchid. Various vantage points will allow you to observe the flight of numerous birds of prey, buzzards, short-toed eagles and others. It is also easy to meet ungulates (wild boar and roe deer), mammals (wolf, fox, badger, porcupine), mustelidae and, with a little luck, wolves and wild cats.

But the pearls of the tour are the medieval villages of Micciano and Libbiano, founded in ancient times, from whose summits and steep winding roads you can enjoy exceptional views, stretching from the Apennines to the sea. A short diversion along the route will take you to the legendary Villa di Monterufoli, a building of historical and artistic interest known as the “villa of the hundred rooms”, a stately villa and, in the Middle Ages, a small rural castle under the control of the Bishops of Volterra; it was the centre of a vast estate and is now used as a visitor centre, reception facility and educational centre for the Reserve.

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.