Landscapes, castles and rivers between Pomarance and the Berignone Nature Reserve

The descent on the path between Podere Casinieri and Masso delle Fanciulle (from km 13.5 to about km 15.5), and the part with the ford on the Possera stream (from km 28 to about km 28.5) is a very hard section requiring a very high level of technical skill. The first part, from Km 0.6 to about Km 1 instead requires an above average level of technical skill.

Due to the large number of fords, we do not recommend taking this route after heavy rain days.

A variant, visible on the map allows you to customise the route and reduce the length of the “ring”.

Enchanting views, boundless forests, gentle landscapes and crystal-clear waters, sightings of birds of prey and, with a bit of luck, even wolves: all this in a single, must-try itinerary! Before setting off, take a stop in the old town centre of Pomarance with its 12th century parish church, the Piazza della Pretura and the beautiful 19th century buildings in Via Roncalli, including the Casa Museo Palazzo Bicocchi, a 19th century bourgeois residence, Palazzo Ricci with its permanent exhibition “Guerrieri ed Artigiani (dalla Preistoria al Rinascimento” (Warriors and Craftsmen, from Prehistory to the Renaissance) as well as the two sophisticated theatres, De Larderel and Dei Coraggiosi.

The route starts from the centre, and you will see the countryside and its lively and beautiful farmhouses, slowly leaving room, at the bottom of the valley, to the important river ecosystems of the Cecina and the Fosci and Sellate streams. After crossing the Cecina you will follow the Fosci valley floor, with its hygrophilous flora (poplars and willows), until you will reach the Berignone Nature Reserve.

From there a road (actually a tunnel through the forest) will take you to the Casinieri hill, where your gaze may stray and wander to reach the Cecina gorge, the Pavone gorge and Rocca Sillana. From there you will pass through the most important places in the Reserve, then descend towards the clear waters of the Cecina River, where the watercourse is squeezed between rocky masses, showing its most beautiful face and you will find yourself in one of the most enchanting and best-preserved river environments in Italy, the Masso delle Fanciulle and the Masso degli Specchi, an ideal place to take a regenerating dip.

On the way back to Pomarance you will enjoy a series of unparalleled views and find yourself at the foot of the imposing Rocca Sillana, an ancient Medici fortress overlooking the wild valley of the Pavone stream, and then you will reach the enchanting village of San Dalmazio and pass through the countryside that blends an ancient, timeless area with present day frenetic working activities, until you will reach Pomarance again.

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.