PATH NO. 2
Type of route: asphalt
Type: road, hybrid bike
For whom: cycling tourists
Point of departure and arrival: Colle di Val d’Elsa
Length: 110.4 difference in altitude: 1700
Difficulty: high
Note: itinerary which crosses the entire Val d’Elsa suitable only for cyclists well trained, both on the distance that in difference in altitude; very interesting streets technically able to satisfy even the most demanding cyclists.
Description: from Colle Val d’Elsa you start towards Volterra on S.S. 68 and after about 3 km, in Le Grazie, bend right towards San Gimignano (11 km). From here you do latch toward Castel San Gimignano where you return on the s.s. 68 bowing to the right (towards Volterra) for approximately 3 km until the crossroads on the left to casole d’Elsa that is reached after 10 km. From here you pedal to Monteguidi (6.5 km with final 3 km climb) to descend along the road that goes to cross the River Cecina and begins to climb gently at first, then more decisive toward the village of Montecastelli encroaching so in the province of Pisa. By Montecastelli continue downhill towards Castelnuovo Val di Cecina; After 4 km you leave the road to Castelnuovo to turn left onto the road for Radicondoli (12 km): before we go down to the bridge on the torrent Lucignano to later reach Radicondoli, delightful medieval village far from major roads situated in an extremely panoramic position. From Radicondoli a fast and pleasant descent (2 km) leads up at a junction where you turn left following signs for Mensano (5,5 km) and thereafter casole d’Elsa but before reaching the village, turn right signposted to Colle Val d’Elsa; After 4 km at the t-junction with the s.s. 541 turns left, thereby reaching the point of departure (11.5 km) on cyccable route road that follows the River Elsa.
