Passo degli Acquiputoli from Pistoia

The most beautiful climb to make from Pistoia, the real climb begins at the junction x Santomoro turning left: The first part is harder and more exposed to the sun with gradients of around 9-10%, then at an altitude of 600 m where it crosses the dirt road that descends from Poggione the second part begins that is more pedalable and in the shade, you pass by a beautiful fountain and cross the road at altitude that runs sinuously between the rocks with a view of the Prato plain and Florence, finally entering the beautiful Acquerino forest where you are literally embraced by the branches of the trees. In the Rifugio di Spedaletto (Spedaletto Refuge) area, you can already stop and return along the one-way road, or continue for the last 2 km or so to Passo degli Aquiputoli.

Beautiful climb, long, hard in the first half but never very hard, easier and very scenic in the finale. In autumn, the colours are spectacular and the temperature ideal. As the altitude rises, very panoramic views open up over the entire plain and beyond. Although you cross a beautiful beech forest, I recommend avoiding the final kilometre that leads to the Acquiputoli pass, due to the poor state of the asphalt in this last part. Better to stop at the fork in the Acquerino area. Recommended hike.

Effective climb of about 11 km from when you turn left towards Acquerino. Pedalable and with little traffic, good road surface. The only flaw is the sun, as the stretch is not covered by trees and is completely sunny all the way to the summit.