Monteverdi: the villages, the countryside and the forests

A short part of the route, roughly between Km 9 and Km 10, requires a very high level of technical skill.

The route starts in Monteverdi Marittimo, a delightful beautiful medieval village with an amazing (panorama-wise) position. Here you can visit the Church of Sant’Andrea and the Chapel of the Santissimo Sacramento with the Black Christ a 14th-15th century wooden crucifix, as well as the new and very interesting archaeological museum. The whole village is crossed by the “rughe” (“creases”), a dense network of paths interspersed with small squares and vaults opening onto impressive views.

The route climbs up through the countryside and woods to Poggicciola which boasts an exceptional view over the sea, the Caselli forest and the nearby area. The next section descends down towards the valley, entering the Monterufoli-Caselli Nature Reserve and crossing the Sterza and Rivivo streams, allowing you to dive into the cool, damp environment typical of the gorges and enjoy the unique vegetation (black alder, southern ash) and the river fauna. A short diversion takes you to the suggestive Caselli waterfall, a quiet and truly magic spot amidst nature. This very particular forest of turkey oaks, featuring also a large amount of southern ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa) trees is considered one of the most interesting forests in Italy. After leaving the reserve you will head towards Canneto, an ancient defensive structure still surrounded by walls. This small, extraordinarily beautiful village has a peculiar elliptical shape and many of its numerous tower-houses and the lovely Pieve di San Lorenzo are still perfectly preserved.

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.