The Lavender Trail

Departure: Colle d'Orano
Arrival: Pomonte
Average time: 4 hours
Length: 7.8 km
Elevation gain: 578 m
Trail difficulty: challenging
Trails followed: no. 176, no. 125, no. 126
What to observe: lavender (3A, 3D), Campo alle Serre signal station (3B), thermometamorphic aureole of Monte Capanne (3C), viticulture (3E)

The Lavender Trail is one of the most challenging sections of the Via dell'Essenza because, due to the characteristics of the terrain, the trail moves slightly away from the coast and climbs the western slopes of Monte Capanne. This route, running from north to south, extends from sea level to almost 600 metres above sea level, offering a wide variety of habitats and biodiversity.

The Lavender Trail begins in Colle d’Orano and continues south towards the small hamlet of Mortigliano. From here, trail no. 176 begins to climb rapidly, passing through dense Mediterranean scrubland of holm oaks and strawberry trees covering old terraces that were once cultivated.

The highest point of the route is 583 metres above sea level, on the Campo alle Serre ridge, the highest point of all the Via dell’Essenza stages. Here stand the ruins of the old Italian Navy signal station, now abandoned. From this altitude, the view stretches from north to south and includes the Tuscan coast, the Apuan Alps, the Ligurian peaks, Capraia, Corsica and the southern islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.

The route continues along trail no. 125, which descends rapidly towards Chiessi along the historic mule track that once served the signal station.

After crossing the picturesque village of Chiessi, the route continues along trail no. 126, another ancient mule track. Overlooked by the granite monolith of Colle di San Bartolommeo and running just above the present-day provincial road, the trail crosses old abandoned terraces before reaching Pomonte.