Passo degli Acquiputoli from Pistoia

The most beautiful climb to do from Pistoia, the real climb starts at the junction x Santomoro turning left: first part harder and more exposed to the sun with gradients around 9-10%, then at an altitude of 600 m where you cross the dirt road that descends from Poggione begins the second part more 'pedalable and shaded, you pass by a beautiful fountain and cross the road at altitude that runs sinuous between the rocks with views of the plain of Prato and Florence, finally you enter the beautiful Acquerino forest where you are literally embraced by the branches of the trees. In the area of Rifugio di Spedaletto you can already stop and return from the one-way road, or continue x the last 2 scant km x get 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.