The Poggio Vecchio ring route

The starting point of the route can be reached from the villages of Libbiano, Micciano and Serrazzano, following the easy dirt road that leads to the Monterufoli Reserve.

This is an easy ring-route with many opportunities and options that can lead you to discover all the forest types of Monterufoli and take you to an interesting area for wildlife watching. In the vicinity of the ruins of the Poggiovecchio farm you may, with the help of the quietness of the area and a little luck, spot ungulates such as fallow deer, roe deer and wild boar, as well as birds of prey.

The presence of prey and the silence makes this area one of the favourite spots of elusive predators such as wolves and wildcats. Climbing to the head of the Vallon Cupo, a deep fissure that plunges into the Adio torrent below, with stretches of deciduous forest characterised above all by turkey oaks.

The air can sometimes smell of sulphur, because you are now on the edge of one of the most important geothermal areas in Europe. Some very long-lived holm oaks indicate the presence of the few remains of the small church of S. Ermete, together with strawberry trees, junipers and manna ashes.

The final part of the route, through pine forests and clearings, offers wide views and impressive mosaics of colours, especially in autumn, thanks to the numerous rowan trees, wild service trees and maples.

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.