Monte degli Elci Colle di Mezzo

Colle di Mezzo and Monte degli Elci (Elci Mount) are the buttresses of the entry to the Sabine south mountains of the chain. Nice and fascinating walk. The first and the last part provide a dense bush; on the contrary, the high altitude parts are sunny and exposed to the winds. It is not recommended during the Summer Season. In the resto of year, lsxcursions and walking are pleasant. On the way, you will enjoy a nice fountain with a picnic area.

Vertical drop: 210 meters

Dress code suggested: boots and trousers, anoraks (possibly clothing suitable for rain)

On the top, wind exposure is significant, and it is strongly recommended an appropriate clothing to temperature changes (several layers of clothing).

By car, coming from the Farfa Abbey, right before entering the village of Toffia, turn right and take Via Montagna; be careful, because the road is partially paved and partially gravel.

Walk for 2.5 kilometers. After the short paved, go on the dirt way until you will face up a sort of bend on the left, where you can park (495 masl)

Now, walk following the road and you will reach a bar (always open) continue on the steep section. Going on the steep way on the left get a short flat stretch for a few hundred meters. After covering a part uphill, close to some signs, turn right on a dirt runway, often muddy, and and go on walkinf for 15 minutes. Walk on penetrating a wooded area halfway on the track then on the marked trail. After 45 minutes walking you will reach a grassy saddle, where you can admire the beautiful views of the Tiber Valley, Rome and the Lucretili Mountains, etc. From the saddle, walk along a grassy ridge covered with limestone hills. We are on top of the Colle di Mezzo, with a 360 degree landscapes view (one hour walk).

You can see a wide grassy saddle between two mountains and descends, turning around the top of the Elci Mount, so named for the dense scrub of holm oaks (ancient oaks definition). Returning to the lower part of the saddle you can see a clear path on the right of the ridge, leading to a visible path. Reached the trail, go left. You get to a large area equipped with a fountain. Continuing along the trail, after a few dozen meters, you are back to the way you came.

It takes a stroll in the delightful town of Toffia.