We start early with a bit of a look around Radicofani, including up the road to the castle ruins and tower. Unfortunately we can’t access the tower area until 10.00 – a bit too late, but there are views all around.
We are really pleased to be able to access both Sant’ Agata and San Pietro to get a look at the beautiful della Robbia pieces. With our late arrival yesterday both were closed. Our weeks in Firenze a few years back turned me into a fan.
Just gorgeous!
After passing by the Medici fountain we are on our way at 10:00. The guide describes the early part of the walk today as “one of the wildest, most solitary stretches on the Via.” 9 kms of descent on a dirt road through farms with amazing views to the left and right and back towards Radicofani. I think what they mean by solitary is we passed only 1 B&B and 1 Agriturismo.
It is again a peaceful walk – until the shooting starts very nearby. We walk today with pellegrini canadese and americana. They don’t seem at all concerned by the shooting; DC and I, however, abandon our thoughts of a little rest and snack at this point and get a move on. Something about a man in fatigues with a gun slung over his shoulder striding towards us…….
After we have dropped down about 500 ms altitude the path then continues in the valley until we reach the via Cassia. Another 5kms along paths close to the road and we arrive at Centeno.
From here the only path available is walking on the road, often with no shoulder for some protection. The guide says it is not safe to walk. We are happy to listen to these words of wisdom. It says to catch the bus, but that is still 90 minutes away, and we had had a previous no show bus situation. I contact the proprietor of our room for the night who provided a number of a private driver. A quick phone call and in no time at all we are all 4 pellegrini on our way past 9 kms of road in a mercedes! 20 euros well spent. The driver reports she has transported many pellegrini. In fact all i needed to say was that i was at Centeno and she understood and was on her way.
Today as we reached the via Cassia, we passed this sign.
Got a bit excited: less than 150 kms to go! Unfortunately the guide says we still have 165 kms to go, and that’s after our car ride.
Also of note today: we have now left Toscana and arrived in Lazio.
8 more days.
Stay and Eat: Ristorante il Borge.
A very friendly welcome and an excellent dinner.
Richo and DC 