Croce del Masso and Poggio alla Marruca

A short but suggestive ring-route connecting the picnic area at “Croce del Masso” with the panoramic peak of “Poggio della Marruca”.

All of the walk is made on green rocks, the ophiolites: the path crosses short stretches of pine forest which, as you go upwards, give way to Mediterranean scrub. The hill is characterised by the presence of a peculiar flora, which adapted to the difficult conditions of survival in serpentine soils, rich in phytotoxic heavy metals and poor in nutrients.

Among the species present, one of the most outstanding is the rare Stipa etrusca which, together with other more colourful species, forms a veritable botanical garden in spring. From the top of the hill (489 m), your eyes will be treated to the superb panorama view of the famous “Valle del Diavolo” (Devil’s Valley), the area where the earliest geothermal and chemical industrial developed, but at the same time a place that brings to the mind Dante’s Inferno due to the many hydrothermal phenomena (which have been there since the ancient times), such as the famous boraciferous lakes. Looking eastwards you may see Rocca Sillana and the Siena area, looking northwards you will see Volterra and the Apennines and looking westwards you will see the immense Monterufoli forest.

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.