Su e giù per i monti Pisani

Unmissable Monti Pisani or, better said, Monte Pisano since, the most correct form to identify this mountain system of the Tuscan sub-Appeninno, is in the singular. Including in this definition also the Oltreserchio Mountains, we can see how this mountain range, in addition to marking the border between the Plain of Lucca and the Plain of Pisa (as Dante Alighieri reminds us: "...al monte per che i Pisan veder Lucca non ponno."), forms the extension of the Apuan Alps between the Serchio and the Arno rivers.

The Monti Pisani territory includes numerous medieval settlements and remains of fortifications. On the northern slope, the main centers of interest are the ancient villages of Compitese, the towns of Vorno and Coselli with their villas, the villages of Vicopelago and Gattaiola, the fortified village of Nozzano, and the fascinating Nottolini Aqueduct. While as far as the southern side is concerned, the most striking places are definitely Vicopisano, the Rocca della Verruca, the Certosa di Pisa (better known as the Certosa di Calci), the Medieval Rocca di Ripafratta, the Mirteto Abbey and the Medici Aqueduct from Asciano to Pisa.

With this tour we will walk some of the most beautiful trails on both sides of Mount Pisano. We will start from Lucca, moving away from the city center following the path that runs along the arches of theNottolini Aqueduct, a monumental work commissioned in 1822 by the Duchess of Lucca Maria Luisa di Borbone and designed by Lorenzo Nottolini. In short we will pass from the city to the surrounding countryside, until we reach the end of the path witnessed by the presence of the Tempietto di Guamo. From here we will follow some paths that enter the village of Vorno and skirt some of the villas present in the town. Upon reaching the parish church, the long climb to the Santallago Estate will begin. Arriving near the green heights of the Tenuta, we will move toward Bisantola (725m) where we will take CAI path 135 (also known as Linea Alpha) defined, by many, as the most beautiful path in the Monti Pisani. We will descend into the woods, over variable terrain, moving from earth to rock and loose stones. Technical trail with many sharp bends also on a steep slope. We will also cross a beautiful ravaneto, known as one of the dinosaur beaches, from which we can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view. At the end of the trail, in the locality of Tre Colli, we will leave CAI 135 and continue westward, first on CAI 133 and then on CAI 129 in the direction of Capanna Fonte a Noce. With further effort, we will reach Foce di Calci (484m), at the foot of Cima Stipareccia. One more traverse on the beautiful single track Cacciatore until it connects with Via Tobler (CAI 117), which we will follow until we return again to the Santallago Estate, passing also by Campo di Croce. Now a nice combination of trails will begin that will allow us to return to the Tempietto di Guamo before renting back to Lucca: We will begin with CAI 130 (Castagnone + Sasso Balloccioro) to Prato a Sigliori (470m), continue on CAI 128(Tommy) which traverses the wooded eastern slope of Monte Vallone to end at Gallonzora (260m), and conclude with the last trail of the day called the Observatory, with which we will meet again right at the Tempietto di Guamo. Last pedal strokes along the arches of the Nottolini Aqueduct and we will be back at the starting point.

Water availability along the route: Sorbano del Vescovo (km 0.70) - Acquedotto Nottolini (km 1.60) - Acquedotto Nottolini (km 3.30) - Vorno (km 6.25) - Fonte a Noce (km 20.70)