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MOUNTAINTOP NATURALISTIC EXCURSIONS
Description: half
day
Departure ore
9, back at 13.00
We will follow a convenient path along the top of the Monti Pisani as far
as Mount Verruca. The path makes for easy walking, with very few steep
slopes, through the chestnut, yew and robinia (false acacia) woods. The
sun’s rays filter through the trees creating an unusual atmosphere; along
the walk there is a water-tank used in case of fire which the frogs like
to use as a swimming pool. We then reach Sasso della Dolorosa where the
views are spectacular: to the east we can see the Buti and Vicopisano
valleys, and, in the distance, the hills around Pisa. The walk takes us
uphill, under the cool, shady chestnut trees, to Mount Lombardona, where
good views of the two valleys (Vicopisano to the East and Calci to the
West) can be had. The prickly broom, typical of Monte Pisano, abounds
freely at this viewpoint. The woods end and we arrive at Mount Verruca:
the steep but short path up to the ruins of the fortress which dates back
to the 1200s is amply compensated for by the marvellous views of the Pisa
Plains down to the sea, and the island of Gorgona on a clear day. We have
time for a short break to take in the landscape, and have a look at the
geological formations in the area. We continue the walk down to the
fascinating Torre di Caprona, along a path which cuts through the typical
vegetation of the Mediterranean bush.
(NB: This excursion can also be made in the evening, with a packed meal
among the ruins, to take in the sunset over the sea with splendid views.
The walk back is made in the moonlight under the stars)
Route type:
mainly flat/downhill,
8 km
Level of difficulty: easy, suitable for those with an average level of
physical fitness
Trip duration: 2h30'
The ring of Buti :OLIVE GROVES
AND two springs
Description:
Departure from the village of Buti at 9.00; back in the afternoon.
From Buti, located in a cool, verdant valley, we take a tarmac road
through olive groves which quickly becomes a gravel path. After a 30 min.
walk uphill as far as a pine plantation, the path levels out towards the
Chiesa della Madonna della neve and the nearby Magno river, and a natural
spring with very good water. From here, we continue through the vegetation
towards the source of the Mezzo Pane river. From here, a downhill path
takes us along the river through pines and ferns to the centre of Buti.
Optional visits to the romantic Buti castle and a local olive grove, with
the opportunity to taste and buy oil during harvest time.
Route type:
relatively flat, 7
Km, height difference 608 m
Level of difficulty: moderately difficult, suitable for those with
a good level of physical fitness
Trip duration: 3h30'
The ring of the tree hills
Description:
There are splendid views to be had on this walk, most of which is covered
with vegetation.
Depart at 9.00; back in the evening.
We pass through chestnut groves to reach the Foce di Calci, a pass known
for its beautiful panorama. We carry on towards Santallago point where we
can stop for lunch, continuing in the direction of Mount Serra. Once past
Colle di Calci, we pass by a spring with drinkable water, and finally
reach Mount Serra (917 m), the highest of the mountains in the Pisa area.
On a clear day, the Ligurian Sea and two of the islands within the Tuscan
archipelago, Gorgona and Capraia, can be seen.
Route type:
relatively flat, Km
12, height difference 1061 m
Level of difficulty: Difficult, suitable for those with an
excellent level of physical fitness
Trip duration: 6h'
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