22G5
San Filippo Benizi tour: from the Vivo springs to the warm, thermal waters of Bagni San Filippo
67Km
Demanding
OpenRunner ID:
20854229
Start
Vivo d'Orcia
Finish
Vivo d'Orcia
Gradient
1720meters
Slope max
18.00%
Surfaces:
Asphalt
Gravel
Dirt/offroad
Bicycle type
Gravel
MTB
Turism/Comfort
Link alla mappa
A route made of nature and silence, made to discover the unknown corners of the Val d'Orcia countryside. This spectacular journey starts from the slopes of Mount Amiata and takes the explorer to admire the gullies and biancanas of an iconic landscape where men, with respect and mastery, have done their part in full harmony with nature. The journey starts from the cool waters of the Vivo and reaches the warm waters of Bagni San Filippo before going up, through woods and characteristic farmhouses, and meeting Campiglia d'Orcia. The return journey is still to Vivo d'Orcia, where the waters of the Vivo stream flow from the volcanic rocks of the Ermicciolo, feeding a vast network of aqueducts in the provinces of Siena and Grosseto.
To fully enjoy the historical and naturalistic landscapes, it is recommended to equip with a good gravel or MTB bike and, perhaps, plan a two-day trip, taking advantage of the hospitality widespread in the area.
Itinerario e Tappe
GPX track
Stage
1
Vivo d’Orcia – Castiglione d’Orcia
Demanding
Distance
22.00Km
Height difference
474m+
Leaving Vivo d'Orcia is not easy, but the best way to do so is to climb up to the Romanesque church of Ermicciolo di San Benedetto and the Vivo springs, then return along the provincial road, and leave it shortly after km 4 to immerse in a fantastic dirt road nestled in a wooded area rich in chestnut and beech forests, typical of the Amiata volcanic area. At Casa del Poggio, we can take back the beautiful paved road that leads to Castiglione d'Orcia through Poggio Rosa. Castiglione is a must-see, starting from its imposing Rocca Aldobrandesca. A stop at the Point may suggest contemplating the beautiful valley below.
Stage
2
Castiglione d’Orcia – Rocca d’Orcia
Easy
Distance
1.40Km
(23.40Km/tot.)
Height difference
8m+
(482.00m+/tot.)
It’s a small step from Castiglione d'Orcia to Rocca d'Orcia. A walk that allows us to experience history thanks to the view of the majestic Rocca di Tentennano, and the medieval streets and churches of the picturesque village of Rocca d'Orcia.
Stage
3
Rocca d’Orcia – Gallina
Easy
Distance
8.80Km
(32.20Km/tot.)
Height difference
95m+
(577.00m+/tot.)
Heading towards the town of Gallina means diving into the truly iconic countryside of the Val d'Orcia, a miraculous balance between nature and man's skillful work. Along many lonely streets, we come across many farms heralded by cypress trees and cottages transformed into welcoming farmhouses. The route is easy but it would be a mistake to rush. Gallina, the ancient Osteria della Scala, retains its character as a peasant village where we can stop to eat cheese and drink good wine.
Stage
4
Gallina – Bagni San Filippo
Medium
Distance
12.80Km
(45.00Km/tot.)
Height difference
307m+
(884.00m+/tot.)
The stage that leads from Gallina to Bagni San Filippo is classified as medium difficulty, even if the last part requires a good physical effort. At the start, we follow the SS 2 Cassia and the Formone stream to reach the Fosso Bianco and lose ourselves in the wonder of the Balena Bianca thermal waterfall, a large block of limestone that resembles the mouth of a whale. The heat of the water in the Fosso Bianco area reaches a temperature of 48°; a stop in the welcoming village of Valdorciano is expected to be a long one, in order to benefit from a full regeneration of body and spirit.
Stage
5
Bagni San Filippo – Campiglia d’Orcia
Demanding
Distance
5.70Km
(50.70Km/tot.)
Height difference
297m+
(1181.00m+/tot.)
The "Balena Bianca" makes a great stop since, although short, the stage to reach Campiglia d'Orcia is very challenging. A good excuse to make a stop is quickly found after just one kilometer at the Grotto of San Filippo, which inside hosts a chapel and a small altar. This ancient refuge was built by Filippo Benizi himself who, in 1269, hid here to escape the possibility of being named successor of Pope Clement IV. After passing the town of Pietrineri, we climb further up to Campiglia d'Orcia. This picturesque town, long under the rule of the Visconti family, stands on a calcareous hill overlooking Poggio Zoccolino and dominates the entire valley below. The last stage will also be the most difficult and, therefore, making a stop is a must: either rest at Campiglia’s Point or in one of the typical restaurants in the area, where genuine food is never lacking.
Stage
6
Campiglia d’Orcia – Vivo d’Orcia
Demanding
Distance
16.70Km
(67.40Km/tot.)
Height difference
539m+
(1720.00m+/tot.)
Returning to Vivo d'Orcia requires commitment and patience, but the journey is one of the most interesting and allows the cyclist to dive into the true essence of a landscape full of surprises. The hard work ends at Poggio Seragio, which at 1108 meters is the highest point of the entire route. The scent of the dense woods will continue to accompany the cyclist to the Point of Vivo d'Orcia where, before the final stop, we must not miss the essential visit to the village of the Hermitage.
Vivo d'Orcia
Castiglione d’Orcia
Rocca d’Orcia
Gallina
Bagni San Filippo
Campiglia d’Orcia
Vivo d’Orcia