STAGE 5: Vernio – Vaiano (19 km)

From the chestnut groves, fir forests and villages of the Apennines, the trek along the Via della Lana e della Seta continues on the ridge of the Calvana massif, a wild, rugged, rocky, karst territory that offers thrills and surprises at every step.

An unusual and interesting landscape that is mixed at first, then gives way to open vistas with boundless views of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.

Technical description:
From Vernio we initially climb to regain altitude, until we reach with short ups and downs the small mountain hamlet of Montecuccoli (km 9).

From here we continue along the ridge that separates the Bisenzio Valley from Mugello until we reach Monte Prataccio (km 13). We then take the trail back to the valley, pointing in the direction of Vaiano, the final stop of the day.

Length: 19 km
Height difference in ascent: 739 m
Downhill elevation gain: 872 m
Highest point: 771 m
Lowest point: 141 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
Required to wear technical hiking clothing. Bring a rain/wind jacket, hat and sunglasses, sunscreen and at least 2.5L of water.

Municipality of departure: Vernio
Place of departure: Vernio
Municipality of arrival: Vaiano
Place of arrival: Vaiano

Recommended period: April to November

The Via della Lana e della Seta (Wool and Silk Road ) is a path that connects two cities that share an important manufacturing history, Bologna and Prato, in a trekking itinerary that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of theTuscan-Emilian Apennines.

The route goes through hamlets, Apennine valleys and passes, joining two cities of great historical value, which have also grown over the centuries thanks to the wise management of their “waters”: Bologna, the city of the Reno and its many channels, the silk capital for centuries, and Prato, the city of the Grasshopper, of gore and gualchiere, capital of the wool and textile district.

The entire route is 130 km long and is divided into 6 daily stages.