A medium-length stage with a limited height difference and only one real ascent.
We leave the Casentinesi Forests and approach the end of the Grande Escursione Appenninica.
In case of heavy rain, some sections, especially downhill, can turn into real rivers which make the journey very difficult, given the extreme slipperiness of the bottom.
Water points are absent up to Montione (almost at the end of the stage).
We leave Badia Prataglia to climb (approximately 300 m height difference) to the Passo dei Mandrioli (1,173 m). First, we take the paved road that runs alongside the Archiano stream and after a couple of km, at the height of a carpentry, we take the 00 path on the left, which climbs up among the beeches and pines to Passo dei Mandrioli (1,173 m).
Once at the pass, where we cross the provincial road, we follow the 00 path to the right and continue in gentle ups and downs along the ridge towards the south-east, immersed in the pine forest. After passing Monte Zuccherodante, we follow the ridge slightly uphill (approximately 100 m height difference), going around Montalto (1,302 m) from the western side.
We then begin the slow descent (approximately 450 m drop). At the Passo Rotta dei Cavalli (1,165 m) we leave the ridge and the 00 path, to take the one on the left, that descends northward, still inside the woods. Paying attention not to take the numerous paths we meet, we cross the village of Montione and reach the valley floor. After crossing the Savio River, with a short climb (approximately 100 m height difference) we enter the small holiday village of Verghereto. Those who still have energy and would like to extend the stage, can carry on to the next one and climb to Monte Fumaiolo to sleep at the Rifugio Biancaneve (which is about 8 km from Verghereto and about 500 m height difference).
During the last World War Tavolicci, a fraction of Verghereto, was believed to be a hideout for partisans and was the subject of a blind and gruesome massacre committed by fascists and Nazis, who slaughtered sixty-four citizens (mostly elderly, women and children), burning them alive in their homes and destroying the entire inhabited center. It was July 22, 1944.
The cocomerina pear is one of the typical products of the Romagna Apennines and in particular of Verghereto. Small and very fragrant, it is characterized by a reddish pulp, once opened it looks like a tropical fruit.
An ancient fruit, saved from the danger of disappearance, that has become a Slow Food Presidium.
Campeggio Astrocamp, in Verghereto. Tel. +39 335 837 3083
B&B Penelope, in Verghereto. Tel. +39 347 519 7406
Rifugio Biancaneve, just below the summit of Monte Fumaiolo (along the next stage, about 8 km and about 500 m height difference from Verghereto). Tel. +39 0543 917785 - +39 331 798 9895
Starting point reachable by car.
Starting point reachable by bus departing from the town of Bibbiena.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Starting point NOT reachable by train.
The nearest town that can be reached by bus is Bibbiena, departing from the city of Arezzo.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
