Vallombrosa, 10/15km
The forest of Vallombrosa (Shadow Valley) is the State Biogenetic Nature Reserve – located on the north-western slopes of Pratomagno. The depths of the forest, the tall giants, and the silence, at times unsettling, always make me feel like Little Red Riding Hood walking through the woods. I’ve hiked almost all the forest paths, navigating springtime mud, enjoying the sweet breeze of summer, the darkness of fall and embracing my inner child in snowy winters. Among my favourites are the Anello dei Giganti (Ring of the Giants, the trail to Monte Cuccuruzzo to Secchieta, the trail that leads to the Capanna delle Guardie with the Rifugio di Secchieta just a few hundred meters away. I’ve trained in the thick shadow of the forest for bigger hikes, always ‘dragging’ friends to come, be amazed and just let themselves surrender to the enchantments of the surrounding nature. This natural gem is one of my favourites to return to and share with other trail companions for its stillness, the invitation to meditate, and the joy of hearing the sound of one’s breath.
