A walk from Sant'Ellero

A walk from Sant

'Ellero

Starting from Sant'Ellero train station, this walk is about 8km, taking around 2 hours, depending on how many stops you make to take in some of the beautiful scenery around you.

Use caution – This route may be missing sidewalks or pedestrian paths. Starting at the train station Via Aretina, 80, 50060 Sant'Ellero FI, Italy. Map - Walk from Sant'Ellero 

Crossing the road from the station, follow the road opposite (seen here on the left of the photo).

Just a little way up, you will start to see the views across the surrounding hills. Follow this road for about 2kms.

Here are some views that you will see along the way...

 

 When you reach this junction (after the 2kms - sign for Località Fontisterni) turn left.

Follow this road up the hill for about 1.5km

 

After about 1.5km you will reach another junction (below):

For the walk we suggest, carry on straight ahead. However there is the possibility of an extended loop (either 0.8km extra or 2.2km (see our google map link) if you take the road on the right (below).

Taking the road straight ahead, these are the views up to the next junction.

When you arrive at the junction (above) take the road on the left (view below). If you followed the alternative loops, the 0.8km route will bring you back to this junction coming from the road on the right, and the 2.2km loop will bring you back here, coming from the road ahead.

Follow this road as it slopes down back in to the valley for about 2kms.

 After 2kms, you will reach this point (below). Take the track on the left.

 

After 540 metres, the track splits - follow on to the right hand side.

 Soon you will be walking through some olive groves, to some vineyards.

 Follow the track for 120metres, and then follow round to the right.

 The track will eventually open out to this view (above). There is a house on the right, and follow the track on the left for 930 metres, back down to the main road.

 450 metres down, the track comes to a T junction. Turn right.

 When you arrive back at the main road, turn left, and follow the road back to Sant'Ellero train station for only 200 metres. Please be careful walking this stretch as the road can get busy, but there is a good verge to walk along.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Tuscany in autumn

Visit Tuscany in the autumn, take a walk in the countryside, and you will get a chance to see the colour changes of the land and the season - in particular, the colours of the grape vines. Explore, discover, escape and refresh. We also got a mention as best of the day http://instagram.com/p/vvOmT7DBIZ/

A countryside walk near Certaldo, Tuscany

A walk around the countryside and hills near to Certaldo

Certaldo is a town and comune of Tuscany, Italy, in the province of Florence, located in the middle of Valdelsa. It is about 35 kilometres southwest of Florence. This walk will take you out of Certaldo in the near by hills and countryside, which at certain points will give you great views across the landscape towards the town of San Gimignano (where a longer version of this walk can take you - ask for further details).

Certaldo Loop Walk 1 - 9 km, 1 Hour, 50 Minutes (not including a break/lunch stop)

Use caution – This route may be missing sidewalks or pedestrian paths.

Start – From Certaldo Train station (arriving from Florence direction), head out of the station to Piazza Giulio Masini, 50052 Certaldo Florence, Italy.

Turn right onto Viale Giacomo Matteotti, and walk straight down until this junction (below)

 Turn right onto Via Trieste

 

Continue onto Via del Molino

 

Go across the roundabout and continue over the bridge over the River Elsa – you will see the sign as leaving Certaldo.

 Turn left onto SP1 at this junction just after crossing the bridge

 

Continue until you see the Hotel Latini on your right, and at the junction ahead, turn right onto Via del Sasso – you will see a sign for Il Sasso and Pancole.

 

 

 

When you reach this point, with the playground and modern church on your left, this is the point where the countryside walk begins! Carry on up the hill...

 

You will soon see this... and just follow the road.

 

 

At this point, you can catch your first view across the hills and spot San Gimignano in the distance, looking through the cypress trees to the left. A walk from Certaldo to San Gimignano is also available.

 

 

 

As you approach this church on your walk, a suggested lunch stop/break stop isn’t too far ahead. Follow the road over the hill, past the houses and church and continue until you reach the Cypress trees lining the road.

 

Here is a good place to have a break. Plus a chance to take in some lovely views, and spot San Gimignano in the distance again.

 

 This is looking back towards the church and the way we just came from.

 As the road bends round, there is this patch of ground where I stop for a break/packed lunch.

 

When you are ready follow the road, taking in the views through the Cypress trees. Stunning views looking left and right.

 

 

At this point, take the gravel path to the left.

 

 Following the track to the left, round to the left as you approach the farm area, and head towards to tree lined path.

 

Following the gravel path from the farm, you will walk down through the cypress trees, and past a few houses along the way, including some barns like the one below. Keep following the path as it starts to slope downhill, until you reach the main road. The views towards San Gimignano will now be on your right.

 
 

 

 

At the end of the gravel path you will reach the main road back towards Certaldo. BE CAREFUL! There are no paths along this stretch, and it can get a bit busy.

Turn left onto SP95

Continue onto Via Fonte di Campaino

At this junction, keep left and follow Via Fonte di Campaino as it turns slightly right and becomes SP1. It isn’t far until you reach Hotel Latini again (below).

Turn right onto Via del Molino

 

Cross over the bridge once more, and at the roundabout turn left. You will see a sign to the Coop, and cross over another bridge. Carry straight on until you reach an open space on your right hand side.

 

 

 Walk across the green space, or walk along side and take the road to the right.

 Then take the first left, along Via Leonardo da Vinci.

 Take the first right

 At the end of this road, turn right, and you will see Certaldo Station. Walk a little further

On your left you will find the underpass to the station platforms, or to cross over to return to the main town of Certaldo – maybe to stop for a coffee or an ice cream!