Excursions on the Calvana di Prato
Calvana is a mountain range of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines characterized by reliefs with heights between 700 and 916 meters. The chain is about 15 kilometers long and extends from the Prato plain to the Mugello valley. The limestone massif offers lovers of mountain walks, several roads where they can test their skills along the mountain paths. Here are some trekking itineraries on the side of the Calvana Prato.
Path Bifolchi – Casa Bastone
The starting point of the route is easily accessible from within Prato itself, and is located just beyond the Capuchin Church at the signposted path.
The route is easy to walk and of short duration (45 minutes) along a forest area where we find mainly hornbeam and oak woods.
Also noteworthy is the presence of a chestnut grove, a rare singularity in the area. Going up, you reach Casa Bastone, a structure built at the beginning of the last century and used for rural use by settlers. Later, at the turn of the 80s and 90s, it became a mountain refuge.
From here, it is possible to enjoy an excellent view over the entire Prato plain. The difference in height of the route is close to 500 meters. The route is simple and suitable even for the less experienced.
La Retaia
One of the peaks of Calvana is 772 meters high; continuing beyond Casa Bastone, if you want to intensify the hiking activity, it is possible to continue the climb to the top of the Retaia.
Once you have passed the house, the road leaves the wood behind, giving way to a meadow of gorse and other shrub species. After about half an hour of walking you will reach the top of the Retaia, characterized by the presence of a cross that indicates the arrival at the top.
This part of the route is more tiring, as the 250-meter difference in altitude takes place on a decidedly harder uphill stretch. In fact, in one kilometer you can overcome a difference in height of more than 200 meters. another reason is certainly the lack of natural cover of shrub vegetation; walking in the sun is more exhausting.
From Retaia to Monte Cantagrilli
For hiking experts, once you reach the top of the Retaia you can turn straight towards the top of the mountain that measures 819 meters, the Cantagrilli.
Continuing along the indicated path, until you reach Poggio Cocollo (807 meters); from here continue the climb towards Monte Cantagrilli and, after about half an hour, you will reach the summit. From here, it is possible to observe the highest peak of the chain, Monte Maggiore.
Monte Maggiore
Monte Maggiore is the highest peak of the whole chain (916 meters); the route in question is of medium difficulty, suitable only for experts.
From Mount Cantagrillo, continuing along the marked path, proceed along a first downhill stretch towards Crocicchio di Valibona, from here the ascent resumes.
Continuing along the same path, you reach the peak of the Maggiore after about an hour of climbing between shrub species and then trees, near the summit. The top of the highest point of Calvana is characterized by a vast turf, where it is possible to meet grazing animals.
Come Trekking in Tuscany
If you can’t wait to leave for a fascinating trek, we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri for a stay of pure relaxation surrounded by paths and itineraries for walking.
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