The La Querciolana - Calcinaro - Le Mura walk

Today was big walk day and the plan was to walk from La Querciolana over several ridges to Calcinaro then down the other side to the flat Casalini Le Mura road then cut back up to La Querciolana before the very steep village of Le Mura.

We parked at La Querciolana where the scenery is magic, and set off on the sealed road which soon became a white road. As usual the turn off marker was well hidden so we did a few hundred metres along the wrong road before we decided to turn back.

We knew we were on the correct track now because of the quality of the walking surface. Steep and rocky would be an apt description.

Thank heavens for my trekking pole.

One good point about struggling up these rough tracks is the great views we get. Panicale can be seen here.

The path eventually evened out into an olive grove ...

... before going down hill again through a thickly vegetated area with a wide range of trees and schrubs.

Up and down, through rocks,  washouts and sand we went.

This spot allowed us a 180 degree view from  Piegaro towards the left, around to Missiano and the range we walked last week ... then in the next photo, from a rear view of Panicale and across towards Lago Trasimeno.

The paths didn't  get any easier until we were closer to Calcinaro.

This sign was prolific in the wooded areas. I presume the mentioned items are also prolific here.

'It is prohibited to harvest mushrooms, truffles, wild asparagus and all other products of the soil.'

Finally we arrived at Passo Buca del Calcinaro. This arch is the remains of a lime kiln which operated in the forest.

After a short refreshment break we headed down the only path going down, hopeful that it was the correct path. It had no signs or colour markers. Initially it required close attention to loose rocks but it did ease out and then we spotted the flats of the Casalini Le Mura road.

We didn't  come out where we expected, not at the crossroads but in a huge farm. Men were laying an irrigation system on a planned vineyard (our guess) and further on we came to a huge farm house. A lady gave us directions to the main road.

In her garden was a plant I have desired for several years - a creamy yellow oleander.

Two llamas got up to look at us but soon lost interest.

When we finally got to the end of the lady's  directions we were greeted by a huge locked gate, and we were on the inside where alsation dogs are usually present.
We managed to scramble through a hole on one side and started walking on the asphalt with cars zapping past at regular intervals.

Hot and bored with this road we missed our unmarked turn and had to go up through Le Mura village, along the main road to Panicale and back up to La Querciolana. Actually I sat by the shrine and let Kel walk the last ten minutes to collect the car!

Overall it was a typical Italian bush walk - rough and steep terrain, minimal signage, a peaceful and beautiful experience. The Fitbit said we walked 10.71 kilometres and used about 1900 calories ... now there's a bonus!