Shepherds’ Trail Excursion

The excursion begins in a small town in the Lima Valley, Casoli, a typical mountain village located on top of picturesque rocky terrain. We’ll climb up the valley, winding through historic chestnut forests and taking in stunning views. Once we reach the summit, the landscape takes on a soft pink colour as we walk into another beautiful valley, the Val di Pescia, a bucolic location deserving of its alternative name the ‘Switzerland of Pescia’. Sheep and goats still graze here, and we’ll have a chance to rest in the shade of monumental, historic trees. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the people still live in harmony with nature as they have done for centuries. We’ll take the time to breathe the air and observe the traditional circular economy of the countryside, spending the night in this spot.

The day after we’ll walk along the gentle crest of Monte Lischeta, taking in the view of the Penna di Lucchio and the other ‘Dolomites’ of the Lima Valley, characterised by their rocky faces, leaning at impressive and seemingly impossible angles.

The return route features perhaps the most important part of the excursion, a real connection with the mountain community: meeting its shepherds. We will be their guests for lunch, and we’ll have the chance to talk and try some of their artisan products, all from the local area.

We’ll then head back ‘home’ to the starting point of the route – although you might already feel at home up here!