Cycling in the heart of the Val d’Orcia

Type of road surface: tarmac; rough, beaten track
Type of bicycle: mountain bike, hybrid
Ideal for: biking tourists, cycling enthusiasts
Starting-point and arrival: Castelnuovo dell’Abate
Length: 27, 22 km
Difference in altitude: 500 m
Difficulty: medium
Note: beautiful landscapes in the heart of the countryside famous for its Brunello wine. The route should not present difficulties for those who are averagely fit. Departure from Castelnuovo dell’Abate; after visiting the beautiful Abbey of Sant’Antimo, along a rough road for about 7 km towards Sant’Angelo in Colle. From here an uphill tarmacked road for about 5 km until the top of the hill at Lume Spento (Ragnaie) before descending towards Montalcino, 9 km among magnificent vineyards, all downhill, to finally arrive back in Castelnuovo.