Day 10 of the Via Francigena from Gallina to Radicofani - 11 miles (17.5km) - 599m of Ascent

We left Gallino at 7.45am, keen to get on our way. There is a cafe, but it is shut on a Saturday, when we were there. But we had popped in the previous day to buy some cakes for breakfast. We had also bought food in advance from the Coop supermarket in San Quirico. It was another quiet morning with just birdsong, as we wandered along country lanes. Then we walked along the side of the main road, before coming to a picnic bench, and a promising sign, saying Radicofani 8km. (4.9 miles, 154m, 2 hours 10 mins). After 5.3 miles, we left the path to the right, and we arrived at a petrol station on the main road with vending machines, dispensing hot and cold drinks and some sweets etc. Better than nothing!! It is next door to the modern looking but shut Hotel Beyfn Ingress. It is such a shame it is closed. We continued down the road and along a path, then back along a small road once more. We reached a picnic table with views and bins at Belvedere, (8.2miles, 387m, 4 hours). A very friendly Italian couple called Francesco and Patricia from Vitorio, stopped to chat, who were very interested in our walk. Radicofani was fortunately coming into view, and looking a lot nearer than previously. After steady climbing, 400m ascent over the last 7kms, we arrived in Radicofani at 1 30pm. We looked at the Church, and the view. We called into Cafe Tocco, with a very friendly waiter and got a pilgrim’s stamp, eating a very delicious salad and cheese panini. We checked into our accommodation of Casa del Ciliegio-again a very old apartment, within the town walls. Later we walked up to the fortress, which was another 150m to the top of the tower, and 1 mile up the road. We had a nice chat in English with Paulo who works in the ticket office. The castle is about 1,000 years old, has an amazing view. It was well worth the additional walk and €5 ticket price. For dinner we ate at the Cave/La Grotta restaurant at 7pm, which was recommended for large portions and good food. As it was Saturday night, we booked in advance, good thing we had, as it was full. However, the food was not as good as we expected. Distance 11 miles (17.5km) Duration of Walk 5 Hours 50 minutes including breaks Elevation Gained 1965 feet (599m) Pace 31 min a mile Websites Used www.bookings.com Casa del Ciliegio An authentic lovely flat, with a washing machine, and a cooker over 2 floors. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran... lunch https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran... Dinner, this was recommended, and very popular. We were disappointed in it though. https://www.fortezzadiradicofani.it/e... The castle Information Radicofani is again a beautiful medieval town set at 800m, with numerous alleys. There are a few bars, restaurants and stores. There is a slightly larger supermarket on the outskirts of the town-just through the walls. We were very pleased to have walked the stage from San Quirico d’Orcia to Radicofani over 2 days, giving us time to really appreciate Tuscany. As well as being more relaxing!