The Poggio Castiglione ring route: an old mining railway in the Ritasso torrent gorge

SCARICA IL PDF DEL SENTIERO NATURA

Il Percorso fa parte dei 7 Sentieri Natura delle Riserve Naturali e  presenta una guida descrittiva con i punti tappa segnalati e numerati sul tracciato. L’inizio del percorso coincide con un’ area pic-nic della Riserva.

Sconsigliato subito dopo forti piogge per la presenza di guadi.

È il percorso più spettacolare per scoprire gli importanti minerali della Val di Sterza e per conoscere la storia mineraria di questa porzione delle Colline Metallifere.

Inizialmente immerso negli ecosistemi torrentizi dello Sterza e del Ritasso, ricalca un ottocentesco tracciato ferroviario nato per il trasporto dei minerali dalla Stazione di Villetta, capolinea di carico di una ricca miniera di lignite, alla località di Casino di Terra.

Lungo il percorso si susseguono trincee scavate nella roccia serpentina e spettacolari ponti in pietra. Luoghi suggestivi, inseriti in ambienti ad elevata naturalità, con garighe, boscaglie rupestri e vegetazione rara.

Dopo la diramazione, che conduce nella conca di Villetta ed alla “steccaia” del Ritasso, si sale in direzione di Poggio Castiglione, dove si rinvengono minerali di magnesite, dolomite, quarzo e calcedonio e le tracce del loro passato sfruttamento.

Nel tratto finale la macchia alta cede il posto ad un bel querceto ad alto fusto con numerosi segni di presenza di cinghiali, caprioli e daini.

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.