This
is the most frequented winter excursion in the Casentino, but it should
not, however, be underestimated. Even though the altitudes are not that
high (Poggio Scali 1520 m), this stretch of the Apennines often has the
severity of high mountain territory. High winds often cause snow to accumulate
in drifts that can be several metres deep, making it more difficult to
make, and find, your way. Particular care needs to be taken, if there
is heavy snowfall, on the short stretch of ridge between Poggio Pian
Tombesi and Poggio Scali. However, in ideal conditions this route is
undoubtedly one of the finest in the whole of the Tosco–Emiliano
Apennines.
From Passo della Calla, take, on the left coming from Forlì (on the opposite
side in relation to the paved road for the Rifugio La Burraia), a narrow unpaved
road closed by a bar, which climbs sharply towards Il Poggione. Gaining altitude
rapidly, the track then runs gently into the wood, following the ridge quite
closely with easy up and down stretches. After reaching Poggio Pian Tombesi and
passing an area with large boulders, there is a stretch of about 50 metres where
the path runs along a narrow ridge (watch out to your left). Then carry on along
an easier track until you arrive beneath Poggio Scali, the highest point of this
section of the Apennines. You can either carry on along the ridge to the top
or follow the track (which often disappears, however) that skirts round the right-hand
flank of Poggio Scali and then returns to the ridge. From here the route is prevalently
downhill (the first section is quite steep), eventually coming out at a wide
clearing with the Fonte del Porcareccio on the left. The track widens here and
after another sharp downhill stretch (at the end of which there is small, semi-hidden
wooden refuge hut on the right which is always open), the path is very easy.
It crosses a number of wide meadows (Prato al Soglio and Prato Bertone) and arrives,
after a final steeply downhill stretch, at a barred gateway. Ignore the tracks
to right and left and carry straight on on the main track. This soon brings you
to Prato alla Penna (a small wooden hut that is always open). The Badia Prataglia–Camaldoli
road passes here, which is sometimes used by cross-country skiers in winter.
Turn right along this road, following the traces of the track, and you soon come
to the hermitage of Camaldoli. At this point you can either return the way you
came or, and this is both more interesting and quicker, take path no. 16 (green
and white signs) from behind the hermitage. This climbs between fine white fir
trees but due to its steepness is recommended only for good skiers. In little
more than 1 km it brings you to the ridge near Prato Bertone. From here, go back
the way you came to Passo della Calla.
Distance |
20 km (round trip) |
Difference in height |
820 m |
Time |
6/7 hours |
Level of difficulty |
Medium |
Map |
Multigraphic 1:25.000 n. 33-35 |
Suggested period |
December/March |
Rest point/accommodation |
Hermitage guest house, tel. 0575/556013 |
Getting there |
From Arezzo, take the SS. no. 71 towards
Bibbiena and then the SS. no. 310 for Stia and Passo della Calla.
From
Forlì take the SS. no. 310 for Galeata, S. Sofia and Passo della
Calla. |
|