Train-trekking in Mugello

Tuscany in recent times has seen a growth in the new excursion trend “train-trekking”. This type of group holiday is where participants get together for a “nature expedition” and meet up before they even arrive at the point of departure, at a pre-arranged train station, and begin to share their journey before the real excursion begins.

A particularly popular destination for this kind of travel is the Mugello, a splendid historical region situated north-east of Florence. The area stands out for its natural interest, offering numerous itineraries, such as the route which departs at Crespino sul Lamone and arrives in Marradi. At Crespino sul Lamone there is a train station accessible via the Faentina line, which departs from Florence to Faenza.

The train which departs from the Tuscan capital crosses the Mugello and, just before it gets to the town of Borgo San Lorenzo, it goes up to the hamlet of Ronta (tourist village situated in the valley of Ensa stream, at the foothills of the Apennines) before arriving to its destination. Once you are out of the train station at Crespino sul Lamone (525m above sea level), you then cross the river at of the same name and then walk along an ancient mule-track which leads to Pigara farm (606m above sea level). Following a chestnut woods n you then enter a slightly downhill road which leads to the ruins of the Garminana farmhouse.

Once you pass the old residence you arrive at a picturesque belvedere which, keeping to the right, leads to Poggio Valdosera (916m above sea level). From here the route leads downhill between the Lamone River (on the right) and the stream of Campigno (on the left). You then reach Monte di Villanova, the point in which you leave the ridge and enter woods via a steep route, and then come out on a road close to Castellaccio, marked as ccgfvvc/w/e/e..; Biforco, a small village where the Campigno stream gushes out into the Lamone River.

You therefore cross the Faentina (regional road 302) and follow the road which flanks the bands of the Lamone, heading to the finishing line of excursion: Marradi station. The excursion is the ideal trip for those wishing to immerse themselves in the Tuscan greenery.

Useful information
Route: from Crespino sul Lamone to Marradi
Indicated train line: Faentina (direction Florence to Faenza)
Journey time:  2:30/3:00 hours
Descent: 391m
Level of difficulty: easy 

Read more Tuscany Travel Guides.

Read more Mugello Travel Guides:
- Barberino del Mugello Shopping Village