Trekking

Valdinievole has always been a land of passage—pilgrims, soldiers, and merchants of every era have walked its paths. Today, along the main road that cuts across the region and connects the Tuscan capital, Florence, to the main coastal towns—first and foremost Viareggio—you’ll find a highly urbanized area.

Yet our woods and valleys will take you back in time. Much of this land remains unspoiled and far from modern civilization. The forest invites you to explore ancient trails and mule tracks, some dating back hundreds of years.

The “Valle del Pescia” route forms a crucial link between the trail networks of the Svizzera Pesciatina and the Lucchesi Hills, and those of the Padule di Fucecchio Nature Reserve—extending further to the ancient Via Francigena, once a major route guiding pilgrims across Tuscany toward the Eternal City.

This route allows you to cross the western part of Valdinievole longitudinally. Starting from the town of Pescia, it follows the banks of the river of the same name down to the Padule basin. Along the way, it passes through the municipalities of Montecarlo, Chiesina Uzzanese, and Ponte Buggianese. In some areas, caution is advised due to busy road crossings, but the path, winding alongside the river and over several small bridges, offers sweeping views of Valdinievole and the surrounding olive-covered hills.

Nature lovers may spot typical wetland fauna such as the grey and white heron, and in spring, may encounter beautiful plant species like the water lily and yellow iris.