A circular walk suitable for all ages and abilities to discover the Castella and the chestnut groves of the Pescia Valley, where generations of women and men have shaped the landscape and made this hidden part of Tuscany enchanting.
What Will We Do?
We will explore the ancient villages of Castelvecchio and San Quirico; we will touch the stones worked by the valley's famous stonemasons,
We will discover the magnificent chestnut groves, once maintained as gardens, and which today, thanks to the work of a few but heroic young people, are once again being cared for.
We set off from the village of Castelvecchio, walk through its narrow streets and from there continue to the ruins of an ancient mill nestled in the woods. We then come to the Romanesque Parish Church of Saints Thomas and Ansano, which has been recorded since 890 AD and is located on a branch of the Via Francigena. From here, we'll pass through the chestnut groves to reach the village of San Quirico in Valleriana, where we'll admire its imposing defensive structure, still evident with its medieval ramparts, from which there is a panoramic view of the entire valley.
We return to the starting point along a path immersed in olive groves.
Before ending our walk, it is possible to enjoy a food tasting of typical local products at a local eatery.

Route: 7-km loop
Duration: 3 hours
Physical exertion: Elevation gain of approximately 350 m (1150 ft). Intermediate difficulty (E), suitable for everyone, including families
Ideal for: groups and families
What to wear and what to carry in your backpack: hiking shoes, rain jacket, hat, at least 1 litre of water, sunglasses.
Recommended: Trekking poles and a camera