From Pomarance to the sea of the Etruscan Coast

Bel giro che in poco più di 90 km da Pomarance conduce al mare di Marina di Cecina affrontando il modesto dislivello in salita di 485 m. Si discende verso il fiume Cecina dal versante del borgo incantato di Montegemoli celebre per il suo pane cotto a legna e per i suoi paesaggi, si costeggia in pianura sulla SS 68 il fiume ed una vecchia ferrovia ancora in uso passando da Ponteginori e Casino di Terra. A Cecina si assapora l’aria del mar Tirreno sul Viale di Marina per poi toccare i Tomboli di Cecina, Riserva Naturale Biogenetica, con le maestose pinete costiere che contrastano le mareggiate. Si risale la valle del Cecina con un percorso più ondulato che tocca il paese di Bibbona e sfiora Casale Marittimo e attraverso paesaggi agrari collinari dominati dalla vite, dall’olivo e da altre colture, si valicano i “Monti della Gherardesca”, da cui si godono viste mozzafiato verso la costa e l’interno, prima di riprendere la SR68 per chiudere il giro.

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.