The Botticella mines and the Trossa creek

The starting point of the route can be reached from the villages of Libbiano, Micciano and Serrazzano, along the dirt road that leads to the Monterufoli Reserve. Traces of mining activity, rugged rocky outcrops of ophiolites, the Trossa stream set in a wild valley and huge forests are among the main features of this route. Threading along an old cart road, you can quickly reach the ruins of the Botticella building and, further down, the remains of extraction and storage wells. All of these remains can hardly help us, people of today, understand the momentous, painstaking copper hunt and mining works carried out in this area. The path will then go further down and the prickly juniper woodland gives way to cool woods with mixed deciduous trees and high biodiversity, with stretches of typical gorge vegetation – black alder and yew – particularly at the point the Trossa and the Linari ditch intersect. This is an amazing place embellished by monumental turkey oak trees and large serpentine boulders. The route then passes closer to the old Colleciurmoli mill and climbs northwards, with some spectacular views of the torrent. After passing the crossroads leading to the confluence of the Trossa and Secolo rivers (another extraordinary natural environment) you will enter the fertile Grufoleto wood, dominated by turkey oaks. Climbing upwards you will find the Botro di Santa Barbara nested between suggestive steep walls. Some remarkable scenic views may also lead to chance encounters with wild animals and with the traces of their presence (for example the mouflon still roams these cliffs). After reaching Podere S.Barbara you will then return to the starting point.

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.