3rd ROUTE: Madonna dei Fornelli – Monte di Fò (17 km)

Technical description:
This stage is undoubtedly one of the most technical and challenging, developing inside the forests and in the most impervious part of the route, with many steep sections and difficult descents. Depending on the time of year, it is possible to encounter a lot of mud, so much of the ascent becomes much more strenuous, and some descents may have slippery and dangerous passages. The departure from Madonna dei Fornelli immediately encounters a very steep path, which can be bypassed by taking a part of the state road.

This stage involves an uphill climb of 751 meters, which in absolute terms would not be excessive, but on such technical and often muddy passages fatigue sets in, so a good workout is still necessary. It is one of the shortest stages; it is only 17 kilometers, so having a day, anyone can walk it, albeit making some stops.

NB: The village of Monte di Fò is a few kilometers from the route, so you can look for accommodation closer (e.g. at Passo della Futa), however, the availability of places may be limited, so it is best to book early.

Length: 17 km
Height difference in ascent: 751 m
Height difference on descent: 784 m
Highest point: 1204 m
Lowest point: 766 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
There are some quite steep passages, so it is best to tackle them slowly, especially if you are not very trained. In hot weather it is necessary to bring a good supply of water, because there are several areas in the middle of the forest without access to water

Municipality of departure: San Benedetto Val di Sambro
Starting location: Madonna dei Fornelli
Municipality of arrival: Barberino di Mugello
Place of arrival: Monte di Fò

Recommended period:
For temperatures May and June, however in case of bad weather-even prior to departure-you will encounter plenty of stretches in the mud.

Useful links:
http://www.viadeglidei.it
http://www.vacanzattivaguide.com/it/pedalare/eremo-di-tizzano-marescalchi-mtb-colli-bolognesi.html

The Via degli Dei is a very fascinating route, retracing long stretches of the ancient Roman Via Flaminia Militare, connecting the cities of Bologna and Florence along the Apennines.

It has become one of the main tourist attractions of theTuscan-Emilian Apennines: numerous trekking and mountain biking enthusiasts retrace this piece of history while fully enjoying the unspoiled beauty of these places. The name of the trail is most likely derived from some of the localities encountered along the way, such as Monte Adone, Monzuno (Mons Iovis, Mount of Jupiter), Mount Venus, and Mount Luario (Lua was the Roman goddess of atonement).

There are many possible variants: this is the one that through a multi-day trek travels the Way in its standard route, tested by our editorial staff.

In general, the entire itinerary is challenging. Even the version proposed here, which divides it into 5 stages (as per the official route), is recommended for those who already have good training and physical fitness. It does not have overly technical passages and never becomes ironclad; there are steep sections both downhill and uphill (sometimes slippery, especially in rainy periods), however, it is still passable by everyone, even families, as long as you are already accustomed to challenging trails.