14th July 2017

14th July 2017

Gallina to Radicofani - 18kms

Today we followed our sun-avoidance routine of recent days. Up at 3:30am, out on the road at 4:30am! Still dark but finding our way with our Petzl head-lamps. Shortly after we left we were in Le Bricolle, a small hamlet known primarily for an old 13th century Francígena church Chiesa de San Pellegrino now abandoned and used mainly as a warehouse.

From there the path led unrelentessly upwards, on the Dee of fields and through some woods. Good paths on the whole , crossing a number of dry streams and heading always uphill towards Radicofani. On paths by the side of roads, underneath motorway bridges, still uphill all the time. Finally on a rough stoney steep path to reach our destination for the day, whose tower we have been aiming for all day, some seven hours after we started. Exhausted but happy to have started early.

Strategically placed on top of a hill at over 800 meters, dominated by the remains of a castle and fortifications, and with a commanding view of the whole area Radicofani played an important role in the past in controlling traffic to and from Rome.

Tomorrow we continue our journey towards Rome.