Hiking with Dante, you can do Dante’s Way in stages (Pontassieve-Rufina ring)
Ideas for this self-guided experience around Florence.
Perfect autumn stop on Dante’s Way, staying close to Florence we can explore the area of Pontassieve and Rufina passing through Doccia and the vineyards of Chianti Rufina.
The very important wine region of Chianti Rufina has great potentials for development and growth. Chianti Rufina is considered the highest chianti production area of all.
The areas you will cross are very beautiful and also rich in history, in fact part of the path of Dante da Rufina runs along the path of memory that goes from Consuma to Pontassieve. A path created to commemorate the WW2 massacres happened in this area.
Dante’s Way is a very beautiful journey divided into stages as you can see on the Official website:
https://www.camminodante.com/tappe-e-percorso/
The Actual Selfguided Path-first part
This hiking with Dante selfguided experience it is a challenging path due to its length and for some, I would say a few, somewhat difficult points.
Not suitable for families with children.
I made some changes and tackled some Cai paths to form a ring that runs along the Via di Dante da Rufina towards Pontassieve.
The departure is tough, for 3 km starting from the center of Pontassieve you climb up to the summit of Mount Fiesole. In just 3 km, almost 400 meters of positive elevation gain.
Going up on Via del Capitano following the indications of the CAI path 7 (Pontassieve – Passo Aceraia).
Shortly after the first peak before Montefiesole you will find a Spada in the rock, perfect for feeling like King Arthur.
You must always follow the CAI 7 signs up to the junction for the SOFT 03 (Acone-Monte Giovi ring).
The part from Monte Fiesole to the junction with the SOFT 03 along the Via di Galiga is very scenic, especially the part around Doccia.
There are very beautiful views of the Apennines, the mountains around Florence and the vineyards of Chianti Rufina.
From the crossroads that leads us to Monte Giovi following the SOFT03, be careful it is easy to skip some signposts and get lost, be vigilant and before taking a few curves check several times.
When I did it some of the trail markers were barely legible and in hardly visible corners. Keep an eye on the trail at all times, for 4 km you go down a lot with some steep and slippery points.
At the end of the descent along the Argomenna stream, there lives a very kind gentleman with a dog. A house that makes everything seem so much more magical.
A very friendly person who helps you if you need and I advise you for a moment to stop and talk to the gentleman who has probably chosen a different life from ours and is always nice to meet someone interesting.
From the level of the Argomenna stream we go up towards Acone and I have diverted to Santa Maria Acone, a very small village that has existed since the 6th century BC.
A small community of lay monks is trying to clean up the wood and the areas adjacent to the small village. I got to talk to 2 men about them (I don’t remember their names), very friendly and they offer you water and fruit. If you need to ask and they will help you.
From Santa Maria Acone you go down along the asphalted road towards Rufina. Many patches of land cultivated with great love by local farmers, it almost seems like there is a kind of competition for the best presented piece of land. Some are truly a delight for the eyes, so precise and cared for.
The Actual Selfguided path -second part
Once in Rufina, “hiking with Dante” is going down Via dell ‘Argomenna, take Via Colognolese. Very beautiful this part that runs along the Arno river up to Pontassieve. Vineyards both on the right and on the left.
Beware it is a road with little traffic but there are cars, do not get too caught up in the vineyards. Continue along that road until Pontassieve.
Slowly as you approach you will see abandoned farmhouses, medieval towers that rise above the bush.
This part is very nice even if at the beginning, walking along the asphalt does not make you jump on the sofa with joy, but it is a stretch that will gradually conquer you.
In my track I continued along Dante’s path that flanks the Arno up to Pontassieve but if you have legs and time, the signs to continue along the path of memory just before the intersection between Via di Vetrice and Via are very visible.
Colognolese on the right you will see the CAI trail signs that lead you along the path of memory.
Hiking with Dante resume
Once in Pontassieve, you will have done a 25 km and 900 D +. I believe you will be satisfied and your body will ask you for a small reward, to each his own.
I recommend a nice packed lunch and be physically prepared for the ring.
Remember that it gets dark early, calculate your times and your speed well. Another tip, always tell a trusted person your path, have a front light for emergency, a thermal blanket, and be prepared for the weather changes, something extra warm is always handy at this time of the year.
25 km 900D + and 900 D-, estimated time 6-7 hours (always depends on your skills, never overestimate yourself)
Pontassieve – rufina ring
https://www.komoot.com/tour/351693897
Stefano Mazzantini
Other Selfguided trekking experiences
Hiking with dante, it is one of the possible options you can ask me. I have other ideas for others off the beaten paths experiences.
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