Colle di Val d'Elsa.
The via today provides a choice of routes. We are taking the route that runs through the hill village of Colle Val d'Elsa as it has more places to eat.
Today's date: 2.10.20
Weather: cloudy with a strong gusty wind
Steps: 36,592
Distance: 24.06 km
Climbing: 451 m
We were up early and had breakfast in the bar at the campsite in Santa Lucia. There was more chance to explore this morning - it really is a large and busy site, with an even more packed site next door. I'm not sure you would want to use a tent though - the ground was hard and stony.
The via descends steeply down from Santa Lucia on a twisty and rocky path, crossing small streams and emerging into vineyards and olive groves. It was an interesting walk with occasional views back to San Gimignano.
The skies were grey as we took the fork to Colle di Val d'Elsa. We grabbed a coffee on our way into the village.
The village runs along the ridge of a hill and the via then descends to the town below. The town had a busy market and shops and was not at all touristy. We had a light lunch in the square.
The route in the afternoon was much gentler, climbing slowly out of the valley on the now familiar white paths. There are more groups of walkers around, though for some reason we talk to them less. Many are out for just a few days so we have less in common. Everyone carries more stuff than us.
We stopped and had a tea in Strove. It was a nice bar in a very nice village.
It was really windy all afternoon and it looked set to rain as we arrived at our hostel. We have a view of the castle at Monteriggione which we will pass tomorrow on our way into Siena.
Ostello Contessa Ava dei Lambardi - Badia a Isola
A minimalist room in a very old fortified house. We had panini for supper in the local community centre.
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