This route is particularly recommended in the Autumn: apart from gathering chestnuts, you can enjoy the drama of the beech woods which are completely red with the falling leaves at this time of year.
The route starts from Ponte alla Piera ( 560 metres above sea level), a village which is particularly interesting because of its ancient Roman bridge. It follows a footpath which goes up from the middle of the town directly into the middle of the sweet chestnut woods which are typical of this altitude in the Apennines. The route has several ups and downs and twists and turns and the woods alternate between denser areas and open clearings with chestnut trees. The path continues to ascend until it reaches Poggio Traversa ( 942m ) where, leaving the chestnuts behind, the beech trees become more predominant.
Following the footpath you get to Monte Filetto (1289m) and taking the lovely forest track through the beech woods, you arrive at Monte Castello (1414m), which is the most important peak in the mountain range of the Alpe di Catenaia. The summit of the chain is characterised by an expanse of pasture: from which came the expression
'Prati della Regina' (Queen's Meadows). Weather conditions permitting, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama: looking towards the south-west you can see as far as the pinnacle of Monte Amiata, to the north-east you can make out Montefeltro with Sasso di Simone (Simon's Rock) and Simoncello (Little Simon) and, on a particularly clear day, you can see as far as the mountains of Sibillini.
Descending the mountain to start your return, the terrain becomes more open and the wonderful views continue all along the way; you pass through Poggio il Soglio (981m), Poggio il Capanno (765m), until Cerreto.
From here the route transfers onto the Strada Provinciale (Provincial road) back to Ponte alla Piera.
