Circular cycle route from Colle di Val d’Elsa to Poggibonsi

Between Florence and Siena, take the SS68 di Val Cecinaroad to Colle di Vald’Elsa. Do not enter the town centre; instead, at the first roundabout (Viale A. Gramsci – Via F. Livini – Via R. Bilenchi), park in the small car park on the right (Via Traversa via Gramsci) just at the start of the cycle path.

(S/E) Take the Colle–Poggibonsi cycle path, heading north, which runs alongside the small “Via Traversa Via Gramsci”.

(1) Cross the Strada della Cappellina di Fabbriciano and pass by the Chiesa della Madonna del Carmine.

(2) Continue along the cycle path, cross the Strada di Castiglioni with care and reach the bridge over the River Elsa.

(3) Cross this old red-brick railway bridge and continue along the cycle path.

(4) Pass by the old Rocchetta railway station and then an old railway signal box.

(5) Cross the bridge under the Vada track, heading north-east, then note an old chapel (deconsecrated chapel) on your left before carefully crossing the Strada comunale del Cimitero and emerging at a roundabout in the town.

(6) Cross the roundabout with care and continue straight ahead along the tarmac track to the right of Via Giosué Carducci. You’ll reach a pedestrian crossing just before a bridge over the River Elsa.

(7) Turn left to cross Via Giosué Carducci and take the start of Via Elsa. Turn right immediately onto the dirt track that runs alongside the river and emerge at a roundabout on the SP1 (Via San Gimignano).

(8) Cross ViaSan Gimignano with careto join the service road (Ex-Strada Provinciale di Piano d’Elsa) towards Montelonti. Follow the small tarmac road, Strada vicinale di Montelonti, uphill to reach a typical Tuscan villa at the top . Enjoy the view of the surrounding countryside. Pass between the buildings and along a dirt track, heading south-east, and you’ll soon reach a three-way junction at the edge of the woods.

(9) Continue to the right along the tree-lined hillside path, heading south-southeast. Enter the woods and stay on the main track, heading west, then south. The area features a few mountain bike trails (i rider trail). Pass by farm buildings and join the SC di Montemorli.

(10) Carefully turn right onto the tarmac road and follow it for about 500 m until you reach a three-way junction.

(11) Turn left, heading south-south-west, towards Ceneracola. Take care on this narrow road shared with motor traffic. Ride alongside the woods and then vineyards on your left until you reach a three-way junction.

(12) Turn right towards “Podere il pino”, heading west, then very quickly turn right again, heading north-west. Ride alongside a woodland on your right until you reach a junction with a hairpin bend leading uphill to the left.

(13) Turn left, heading south-west, towards Colle di Val d’Elsa, and continue to the junction at the corner of a wall topped by a gate.

(14) Turn 90° to the left, heading south-east, towards “Podere Borboni”, and carry on to the next junction.

(15) Continue straight on, heading south, to join the Strada di Vallebuona and the hamlet of Vallereccia. Head down the hillside to the Strada Statale 68 di Val Cecina.

(2) Turn right onto the Strada di Castiglioni to join the cycle path and then the car park on Via Traversa via Gramsci, following the route in the opposite direction to the outward journey (S/E).

The route mainly follows a dedicated cycle path and quiet minor roads. Suitable for touring bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. Take care when crossing main roads and roundabouts.
There are several benches along the cycle path between Colle di Val d’Elsa and Poggibonsi.
There is little shade on certain sections of the route; make sure you carry plenty of water during the summer months.

Water points, bars, restaurants, shops and accommodation are available in the towns of Colle di Val d’Elsa and Poggibonsi.

Bike hire:
Gippo bike
Località Ponte dell’Armi, 13A
53034 Colle Val d’Elsa.
Tel: (+39)0577 904405

The former Colle di Val d’Elsa–Poggibonsi railway line
The route largely follows the course of the former railway line linking Colle di Val d’Elsa to Poggibonsi. This branch line was connected to the Siena–Empoli line and was built at the end of the 19th century under the supervision of engineer Cecilio Arpesani. In order to keep construction costs down, a winding route along the Elsa Valley was preferred to a more direct route that would have required the tunnelling of the Maltraverso hill. The line featured numerous tight bends, several steep gradients and various level crossings. These characteristics limited train speeds and made the operation of certain locomotives difficult.
After several decades of service, the line gradually lost its economic viability before being permanently closed in 1987.

The Valdelsa Cycle Route
Opened in 2011, the Colle di Val d’Elsa–Poggibonsicycle routereuses the right-of-way of this former railway line. Just over 7 km long, it offers a flat route accessible to both cyclists and walkers. Along the route, information boards provide insights into the local railway history.

Nicknamed the ‘city of crystal’, Colle di Val d’Elsa is world-renowned for its production of high-quality crystal, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. Its hilltop historic centre is also well worth a visit for its medieval alleyways and views over the Tuscan countryside.

Poggibonsi retains several reminders of its medieval past, notably the Fortezza Medicea di Poggio Imperiale and the Poggio Imperiale archaeological park.

Nearby

• San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers (around 15 kilometres away).
• Monteriggioni, a remarkable fortified village.
• The Elsa Valley and its landscapes typical of inland Tuscany.
• The Sentierelsa, a pleasant walking route along the River Elsa and its small waterfalls.