The Devil’s Bends of Micciano, Montecatini and Volterra

Anello di circa 70 km che affronta le 3 più suggestive salite della Val di Cecina su strade panoramiche con straordinari affacci sulla valle, per un ascesa totale di 1150 m. Si inizia con la salita al borgo di Micciano, isolato e antico borgo nel territorio di Pomarance alle porte della Riserva Naturale di Monterufoli-Caselli: i 10  tornanti più celebri della Val di Cecina si inerpicano fino al “Pinzo” di Micciano, raggiungibile con 2 passi a piedi dietro al cimitero, con un affaccio mozzafiato sulla valle del torrente Adio.

Attraversato poi il fiume Cecina nei pressi di Ponteginori si sale a Montecatini Val di Cecina con i suoi paesaggi “montani”, il borgo medievale ancora dal fascino autentico di un vero e proprio Castello e la sua celeberrima miniera di rame la più ricca ed importante d’Europa dell’800, per poi ridiscendere ed affrontare la salita “aerea” ma più dolce che conquista il colle della millenaria città di Volterra, distesa sul suo colle ad abbracciare tutta la Valle, luogo di rara bellezza e fascino.

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.