Info
A circular itinerary which starts and finishes in the centre of Sestola, passing through the nearby hamlet of Pian del Falco.
The trail we propose here is a circular itinerary that can be done starting from Sestola without having to drive anywhere.
The trails involved are public trails no. 8 and no. 6.
Although the itinerary is not overly long, bear in mind that a difference in height of over 300 metres is made in just a few kilometres.
In the map you can see below, we have chosen to walk uphill along path no. 8 and downhill on path no. 6, but you can also do the opposite. Trail no. 8 has some slightly steeper climbs, so, if you are out of training, it may be better to do it on the way back down.
The itinerary
Following the signs for trail no. 8, which you can already find in the centre of the village, you will come to the locality of Le Gonde, along a tarmacked road. From here the trail continues along Via Derindinger, until it goes into the forest after a few hundred metres.
You will come across some benches where you can stop to rest and admire the view, and the trail then continues up, crossing over the tarmacked road which leads from Sestola to Pian del Falco several times.
As well as the panoramic views and the beauty of the forest along the trail, it is worth mentioning one of the most beautiful trees in this area of the Apennines: the majestic “Faggia Grossa” or “Mighty Beech Tree”.
A centuries-old beech tree with a trunk that splits in two just above the base, the two halves then joining back together higher up, creating a huge, unusual hole in the trunk.
Stop to admire the beech and draw all the energy you need.
The trail then continues uphill as far as Pian del Falco, where you can stop for a rest, get refreshments, fill your water bottle at the fountain, visit the little church and relax in the meadows. Several trails leave from Pian del Falco, climbing even higher up, to Lake Ninfa or the nearby Mount Calvanella.
From here, however, this particular itinerary will take you back to the village of Sestola; follow the signs for trail no. 6, leading back downhill.
This is a very pleasant trail that crosses the old, tarmacked road through the forest several times. If you wish to make the descent a little longer, you can choose to take the road instead of the trail, being careful of the nearby downhill mountain-bike trails along the way.
