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Map 5 tracts ABDEFL

Valsavignone, Cirignone, Passo delle Gualanciole, Passo delle Pratelle Montalone

total 30 Km .

Duration approx 2.5 - 3.5 hrs

this route is lovely and varied and takes you in altitude across a gradual and continuing uphill climb. Nature wild with the possibility to meet along the way roe buck and deer in the woods. The landscape of Casentino all around you makes this one of the most beautiful routes of our zone.

A (5 Km)

From Pieve Santo Stefano in direction of Verghereto along the state road. As soon as you leave the turn  (well tarred) with not too much traffic starts climbing slightly but constantly. A good way to warm up cold muscles before the real climb. The tract ends where you see the road sign for Bulciano.

B (4 Km)

continuing on the same road, which is now much more level, you will arrive most naturally to the next point in the route

D (1 Km)

continuing you will find just after a bridge some houses. This is a village Called Valsavignone (560 mt.s.l.m.) On the left, between the houses, there is a road which is indicated by signboards the places that we have to go to (Cirignone, Passo della Gualanciole, etc...). We will deviate exactly on this road.

E (4 Km)

If you turn off to the deviation on the left, the road is still tarred although not in very good condition. It starts immediately to climb although the first part is quite gradual until you are able to see the village of Cirignone. At this point the incline is very demanding and after a few curves you  will arrive at the village of Cirignone (845 mt.s.l.m.) and from hereon starts the beaten path through the woods.

 

F (3 Km)

arriving at the village, at the first curve, you will see the woods and the mountain. Follow this road which is beaten but in good condition. Once into the woods the road climbs up steeply and curving upwards leads you to the top and the Passo delle Gualanciole (1040m.s.l.m.). An enchanting place from witch you can see in front Casentino. 

L (13 Km)

from the Passo delle Gualanciole you take the road left and continue upwards trough meadows. The last bit of the ascent is easily recognisable because it is a straight line running along a rocky wall on the top, always on the lower left is a fountain from which you can refresh yourself with a drink of fresh water. In the summer it is really a "delizie". Thus on the top we are close to the Passo delle Pratelle (1067 m.s.l.m.) and we will continue to follow the road which is now on the level for a good part, with an extraordinary panorama which includes a view of Monte Penna where is situates the Sanctuary of La Verna. The road starts to improve and begins the long descent amidst curves and woods. At the end of this beaten road you will be the locality of Montalone (870 m.s.l.m.), and re-enter the tarred road where you should turn left to reach after a few kilometres of downhill the point of departure, from which you started i.e. Pieve Santo Stefano.