Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

San Quirico d’Orcia to Radicofani

Today, I ventured out solo—everyone else is either taking the bus or on a later schedule. Some are stopping halfway, but I’ve decided to push ahead and cover more ground. It’s a long day, and I’ve got about three more long stretches before reaching Rome. The remaining days are shorter, but I may combine a few to get extra time in Rome. We’ll see how I feel by the end of the week.

The walk from San Quirico d’Orcia to Radicofani is simply mesmerizing. The terrain shifts between rolling hills, winding roads, and olive groves, while quaint villages seem to rise straight from a Tuscan painting. Every step pulls me deeper into the heart of this stunning region.

One of the hidden treasures I stumbled upon today was Vignoni Alto, a charming hilltop village with views that stretch to infinity. It feels like stepping back in time, with narrow stone streets and rustic houses, offering a serene, almost meditative atmosphere. If you’re in Tuscany, don’t miss this peaceful, picturesque spot—it’s the perfect place to pause and drink in the landscape.

Further along the journey, I passed through Bagno Vignoni, a renowned hot spring town. The central square features an ancient thermal bath that dates back to Roman times, with steam rising from the waters against a backdrop of buildings. It was the kind of sight you see on postcards, and I couldn’t resist dipping my fingers in the warm water—a peaceful, rejuvenating moment after hours of walking.

Today’s route was long with limited place for water etc. An unexpected and delightful break came at the top of a long climb p, where a local had set up a small watering station with cakes and refreshments. All you had to do was leave a donation, and you could help yourself to a snack or a sip of water. It was a heartwarming gesture, a reminder of the generosity that fills the Tuscan countryside. It was just the boost I needed as I entered a more remote part of my hike.

As I neared Radicofani, the climb grew steeper, and the road narrowed. The air turned cooler as I ascended, and the view opened up, revealing Radicofani’s imposing fortress sitting atop the hill. It wasn’t an easy climb (5 miles long), but it felt like I was walking toward something historic.

The town itself feels almost medieval, with cobbled streets and stone buildings that have stood for centuries. The fortress, dating back to the 12th century, offers panoramic views that are worth the climb. I spent some time wandering through the old town, soaking in the atmosphere before heading to a café for a well-earned rest. The quiet vibe of Radicofani was a perfect contrast to the energy of the journey so far.

Tonight, we gathered for another meal at the Ostello, enjoying the company of new friends from Italy. The conversation has shifted to Rome now—everyone is excited and counting down the miles until we get there. We’ve got about 120 miles (193 km) to go, but who’s counting? (Okay, maybe just a little!). I still cannot believe I get to do this type of thing!