In the footsteps of famous writers

The starting point is at the hairpin bend just above the "Capanna Grimaldi" hut, on the road from Vallombrosa to Monte Secchieta. The path initially remains at high altitude. After about 800 m, to your right you'll find wooden and signs indicating the direction of Vallombrosa. Descending along this path, take the CAI 9/A route which will take you down to one of the most breathtaking and least frequented areas of the Reserve. Amongst the many different plant species, you can observe the majestic Douglas firs and warped beech trees. And in the first part of this route you’ll come across the charcoal piles, a trace of the typical charcoal burners. No plants have managed to reoccupy these piles, except for the pussy willow (Salix caprea), or gattero as it is commonly called here. On the way down, there is a small clearing overhanging a cliff that offers a rare view of Vallombrosa.

Having crossed the CAI 9 again, turn right to reach the top of the Paradisino, the building that was once the hermitage of the monks’ cells. It’s here where you’ll come across the story of writer John Milton, thanks to the plaque recalling the verses about Vallombrosa in his poem Paradise Lost. He wasn’t the only artist who was fascinated by these places: Ariosto, D’Annunzio, Mary Shelley, Henry James and many others made it the destination of their real and imaginary journeys. Before leaving, you can admire from the large terrace at the rear of the building a breathtaking view that reaches as far as Florence and beyond… Can you see Brunelleschi’s Dome?

From the Paradisino, follow the tarmac road down the hill. Pass the CAI 10 road on the left and the Cappella del Faggio Santo (also on the left) to take the CAI 11 road instead. Follow it all the way until you find the CAI 12 forest road. At the crossroads, go up towards Secchieta and continue for about 4 km to the ridge. This is a very wide dirt road that is also suitable for mountain bikes. At the "Macinaia" intersection, it is important to keep left to reach the CAI 00: the ridge. (The road that descends to the right would instead take us into the Forest of Sant’Antonio). 

Once on the ridge, turn left onto the tarmac road to reach Bar Giuntini. Here on the left, take the CAI 9 road that re-enters the woods and at the first crossroads, stay on the right to take the CAI 9/A road again. A little further on you'll find the same wooden steps that you walked down at the start of the excursion, and that will lead you back to the starting point.