Sassa, the Caselli forest and the Magona maquis

The path starts from the perfectly preserved medieval village of Sassa, characterised by an imposing perched keep from which one can enjoy a broad, bird’s eye stunning view. The ancient Castagnolo road – which still bears the vestiges of an ancient pass towards the Castagneto Carducci area – descends over the “saddle” between Poggio al Pruno and Poggio Aia Assenzio, then briefly crosses the Magona maquis and then heads downhill into the Monterufoli-Caselli Reserve. Before taking the downward path we recommend taking a short detour to the Golazze Aperte viewpoint, an impressive rocky spur with a breathtaking view of the coast and the Tuscan Archipelago.

The first part of the descent is among deciduous woods, which gradually turn into Mediterranean scrub, with the height of the bushes gradually fading into a garrigue. This is the typical vegetation of the serpentine rock, where low flowering plants with spectacular shapes such as irises, tulips and narcissus thrive. We then go further into the forest at Scrigni and, crossing the Botro del Confine, which in the past was the site of mining research, we leave the Reserve and go back up to Sassa, through fields, pastures and farms, in a rural, ancient and charming landscape.

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.