The Castle in the Forest

Starting from the village of Corsalone, in the municipality of Chiusi della Verna, embark on a journey that perfectly combines nature, silence and history. Cycle along secondary roads with smooth surfaces and stretches surrounded by greenery, heading uphill toward the small hamlets of Lappola and Sarna. At Croce di Sarna, reach the highest point of the day, at an elevation of 622 meters or 2040 feet. In this first stretch, where the physical exertion begins to be felt due to the steepness, the landscape gradually becomes more secluded and wild. Dense forests, ancient isolated farmsteads and small rural villages accompany you along the climb, allowing you to be truly immersed in the traditional Casentino countryside.

After a nice descent, the trail turns upwards once more, reaching Poggio d’Acona, where the view suddenly opens up before your eyes. After stopping to take some photos and catch your breath, continue cycling until, surrounded by greenery and perched high above the valley, you spy the Castle of Valenzano in the municipality of Subbiano. This charming building, which combines its ancient medieval origins with a more romantic, 19ᵗʰ-century style, almost seems straight out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by woods and an otherworldly silence, it is undoubtedly the most picturesque spot on the entire route and definitely worth a stop.

After leaving the Castle, prepare to tackle the final stretch of the ride, keeping an eye out for any potential hazards on the dirt road as the slope changes. The ride back to Corsalone takes you along the area’s characteristic gravel roads at a leisurely pace, before joining some flat, relaxing stretches of the Arno Bike Path, thus completing a loop rich in varied landscapes and absolute beauty.