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Starting point: Procchio
Destination: Pomonte / Patresi
Length: 15.9 km (Pomonte) – 24.2 km (Patresi)
Altitude: 816 m
The third stage of the GTE leads from [page id="952"]Procchio to Patresi or Pomonte.
From Procchio, returning to the endpoint of the second stage of the GTE, you must leave the paved road and take the uphill path that climbs to Monte Castello (226 m), where it would be interesting to briefly explore the surroundings to discover, hidden by the Mediterranean scrub, the ruins of an Etruscan fortress, built here to control the Gulf of Marina di Campo from above, as well as a military outpost used during World War II as an observation point.
The path continues like a tunnel through the vegetation, until it reaches a cluster of houses and intersects the junction with trail no. 180 and the junction with trail 121 for Sant’Ilario. After leaving the wide, smooth road you’ve been following, the steep and challenging ascent begins, leading in 50 minutes to Monte Perone.
Next, the GTE follows the same trail as the Sanctuary of the Butterflies: another short but steep climb through the pine forest, until the junction with trail no. 107, where a brief section at altitude is followed by a forest path that also climbs.
Upon reaching the location called Malpasso or the GTE junction (833 m), just below the altimeter level of Passo delle Filicaie (870 m), you need to decide which branch of the GTE to follow.
GTE North towards Patresi
The GTE north continues to the right at altitude, beneath the Capanne massif. To follow this branch of the GTE, about 8 hours are required, as the trail is long and intricate. In the first part, it crosses several granite rockslides, where attention is needed to follow the easiest route.
After crossing trail no. 101 twice, the route becomes pleasant and flat with a beautiful view of Marciana, the northern coast of the Island of Elba, Piombino, and the Tuscan coast, all the way to the junction with trail 110.
Here, continue left, along the last ascent of the day, up to the La Tavola location at 920 m, where, stopping for a moment to rest, you can enjoy a wonderful view.
From this point, a descent begins, at times demanding, down to the La Terra location, with views of the southern slope of Elba and the islands of Pianosa and Montecristo in the background. After a curious shift north, you'll reach Il Troppolo (690 m), one of the wonder spots on the Elban trails, especially in May when the blooming of broom, rockrose, and other plants turns it into an extraordinary fragrant garden. After passing Bollero (556 m) and Serraventosa (620 m), continue downhill to Patresi (loc. Mortaio).
GTE North Map: Procchio - Patresi
GTE South towards Pomonte
If you prefer to follow the GTE south, upon reaching the GTE junction, turn left in the southwest direction, following the ridge that divides the wide Pomonte valley from the valleys of Vallebuia and Seccheto.
Descending from 839 m a.s.l. to 0 m a.s.l., you will encounter Colle della Grottaccia (647 m), Le Mure (630 m), Monte Cenno (592 m), and Monte Orlano (546 m), before descending quickly towards Pomonte.
The route is highly scenic: it crosses dry-stone walls, sheepfolds, clearings, and vineyards that once covered the entire valley. The walk takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
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