On the Monti Pisani

This mountain-bike itinerary takes advantage of many of the beautiful unpaved tracks which run along the higher slopes of the Monti Pisani. The route is not difficult though the distance (about 28km) and the overall height to climb (about 1000m) requires a certain amount of physical effort.

From Caprona, follow signs for Calci and after about 1 km go left in the direction of Asciano. After Gabella you arrive at a junction where you turn right towards Agnano. Just before Agnano take the little road to the right which begins once again to climb the south side of the Monti Pisani, which are covered by extensive evergreen oak woods. The track runs beneath the slopes of Monte Faeta and arrives at the Sella di Campo di Croce on the ridge of the Monti Pisani. At the pass, you take the natural surface road on the right (red/white marked footpath no. 02) which cuts across the rocky slopes of the Spuntone di S. Allago until it reaches the Colle di Calci. At this point you take the asphalt road to the right that goes to the Colle di Prato di Calci and then cuts across the southern slopes of Monte Serra, which offer great views of the Arno plain. This brings you to Passo Prato Ceragiola where you come to the asphalt road for Buti. Ignore it and take the wide unpaved track opposite which sticks close to the ridge. Continue along the main track, the condition of which soon deteriorates, and descend until you reach the Passo Prato a Giovo, a grassy open area with a small artificial lake. Continue on the level along the main track until Prato all' Acqua and, having cut across the slopes of the Sasso della Dolorosa, you reach the Passo di Prato Arreto. From the pass begin the descent over the rocky fire line, running between tall broom bushes. Finally you reach a crossroads with the unpaved track for Montemagno. Go right along this but after 300 metres, when you get to a curve to the right, leave it and go straight ahead and up along a mule track. After just two hundred metres of ascent, the track levels out and you begin to skirt round Monte Verruca, ending up in a wide open area. Go right here, taking the poorly-maintained unpaved track which descends towards Caprona. Soon you reach the olive terraces surrounding the hill on which the Torre di Caprona is built. Go through a fence and get onto the Crespignano road. Go left and the road brings you back to Caprona

Text and picture: Cinzia Pezzani & Sergio Grillo
Translation: Jeremy Carden