Via Francigena 2025: Via Francigena Days 34 and 35: San Quirico d'Orcia to Castelnuovo dell'Abate & Castelnuovo dell'Abate to Castiglione d'Orcia

Monday, September 22nd

The route from San Quirico to Castelnuovo dell’Abate was short (8.5) but with significant climbs, including one that had a section with 20% grade! Total elevation gain was 1500 feet. The majority of our walk was off the Via Francigena meaning we saw absolutely no one once we diverged from the official route. It also meant we had to be diligent in following our map directions as there was no signage to guide us. It was overcast most of the day, contributing to very pleasant temperatures and walking conditions and even with cloudy skies the scenery was beautiful. It’s amazing how quickly the weather has changed! I think we’ve seen the end of 80- and 90-degree temperatures.

As of today, we have travelled 453 miles with 149 miles to go!

Church in San Quirico d'Orcia

Fortress/castle seen along the way

Row after row of vineyards

Tuesday, September 23rd

We had thunderstorms and torrential rain starting @ 5:00 pm yesterday, but this morning the sun was peeking out and we ventured out without rain jackets on, but instead safely tucked in our backpacks if needed. The forecast was for more rain, but we were hoping we could finish our walk before the rain started. We had one long downhill out of Castelnuovo dell’Abate followed by two very long climbs, the first on asphalt and the second mainly on gravel. Total elevation gain was @ 1600 feet.

We finished our 10-mile hike into Castiglione d’Orcia as the rain started. As we waited at the local bar for a transfer to our accommodations, the rain really started coming down in earnest. By the time we reached Podere San Giorgio (a rural farm outside the town of Radicofani and our accommodations for the next two nights) streams and rivulets were running down the hillsides.