Volterra Casole d’Elsa ring route

Anello che da Volterra con un continuo sali-scendi su strade poco trafficate scavalca il crinale della dorsale dei Cornocchi (500 m circa) per attraversare parte dell’alta Val d’Elsa in provincia di Siena toccando il centro storico di Casole d’Elsa, antico castello del Volterrano noto per il suo palio tra le contrade.

Il percorso compie poi un periplo tutto intorno alla vasta area boscata della Riserva Naturale di Berignone dominata dal Monte Soldano per rientrare nel territorio pisano della Val di Cecina toccando i borghi medievali di Montecastelli Pisano e San Dalmazio e infine l’area geotermica di Pomarance in cui industria e tecnologia convivono in maniera unica con la natura e le attività agricole. Paesaggi sconfinati, caratterizzati spesso da una natura ancora selvaggia che dialoga da 3000 anni con l’uomo. Borghi autentici e territorio rurale in grado di accogliere il visitatore con il calore delle persone e gli straordinari prodotti della terra.

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.