Between woods and villages: the loop route from Croci to Marliana

The itinerary starts from Croci at 1237 feet (377 meters) above sea level, in a locality in the municipality of Massa e Cozzile in Valdinievole. Arriving by car, park in the large clearing in front of the “margine” (an old aedicula, this one in honor of Madonna delle Grazie). Nearby is the Castle of Verruca, of which remains just a cross. 

Croci is a strategic starting and ending point for several locations: Marliana (via Alteto and Canfittori trails), Cozzile, Massa and Macchino. For this itinerary, we set off for Marliana via Alteto and return passing by Canfittori.

Once in Croci, you can replenish your water and hit the trail by turning right at the margine, immediately coming to the trail's signs for CAI Trail no. 42. This section consists of a wide track once traveled by carts, alternating between dirt and gravel road, climbing initially with a gentle slope only to grow steeper, immersed in a forest of chestnut trees, acacias, ferns, brambles, elderberries and pines. Along the way, you'll spy the Poderino on your right and an aqueduct to your left. Following the signs, come to a broad plateau, where the Colle di Verruca stands to the right, at 1722 feet (525 meters) above sea level.

Turn left onto Trail no. 40 for Macchino-Alteto then immediately right onto Trail no. 42 for Alteto-Marliana. You'll flank a reservoir, continuing along the path through the forest, accompanied by the bubble of the stream. Easily cross the first ford, facing the few ups and downs, then continue over a short rocky section to the second ford, which is equally easy to cross. A little further on, the Borra torrent becomes louder and more agitated, enhanced by a waterfall. Here, you come to the third ford, which is definitely more challenging, especially after heavy rains (indeed, we recommend that you inquire about the trail conditions before heading out).

Once passed, immediately turn right and begin to climb into the woods, skirting a green metal fence on your left that borders a training area for boar hunting dogs. Beyond this area, the trail opens up to let in more sunshine, with olive groves on the left until you reach the headquarters of the Marliana Boar Hunting Team, which you'll pass on your left. Continue along a dirt road to SP 633, passing through the village of Ai Boschi and reaching Alteto, the highest point of Marliana at an elevation of 1686 feet or 514 meters.

Here, descend to the right and immediately come to the detour, again to the right, for Via delle Lombardine. In about 20 minutes, you'll reach Canfittori, where the route back to Croci begins via the locality of Ricciolina. Here, spot the trail signs for Trail no. 42 and Trail 40 (the latter part of the Alta Via of Valdinievole). You'll see the margine of Canfittori, at the beginning of Trail no. 40 toward Montecatini Alto. 

The outbound journey takes some 2 hours.

If you decide to extend the route, you can also opt to visit Marliana. In this case, from Alteto, don't take Via delle Lombardine but continue along SP 633 for around 15 minutes to the piazza in Marliana. Here, you can refill your water supply from the fountain, perhaps even getting some refreshments from the well-stocked café before resting then exploring the village, church and oratory. Resuming your route from the piazza, still on SP 633, head to the junction for Via delle Lombardine, which you'll follow for some 20 minutes to the turnoff for Ricciolina.

Return by following the Ricciolina trail. After a short-paved section, begin your descent where there are houses on the left at the outset, before entering the forest. Pass an easy rocky section, encouraged by the murmur of a gentle stream, then crossing the first ford on the Borrino torrent. Soon after, reach the striking Barano Bridge, which allows you to cross the Borra torrent. Here, you come to the first margine.

Continue uphill. To your left will be an iron railing that becomes a wooden fence. The trail alternates between ascents and descents along a rocky section until another ford, with the second margine on your right. After the fence ends, continue through the woods to the junction for Croci (Trail no. 42) and Verruca-Macchino (Trail no. 40).

The return journey takes about 1 hour.

If you prefer to lengthen the route at the junction, you can head around the base of the Verruca hill by taking Trail no. 40 to the right. After a steep ascent and 20 minutes or so, reach the plateau of the Verruca hill and from there, turn back towards Croci.