Bologna to Sasso Marconi

Day one. Finding our hiking legs again.

The first day of our hike across the Appenines to Florence. The day promised to be mostly flat with just a couple of climbs. It will be our first hike with the dog so an easy day is welcome.

---

Today's date: 9 May 2023

Weather: cloudy but warm

Steps: 33,705

Distance: 25.2 km

Climbing: 564m

Descent: 501m

---

Bologna

A gentle start to the day with a trip back to the car to drop off our 'city clothes'. Bologna is full of students and has a lively, youthful buzz. We took our time leaving the city, stopping at geocaches and for two breakfasts. Some of the caches were placed at the site of notable crimes - an interesting if somewhat unsettling theme.

The city features many km of porticos or covered pavements. They give the streets a very civilised feel and are home to the many restaurants for which Bologna is famous.

The climb out of the city is through a long covered walkway up to the Sanctuario Madonna di San Luca. The church itself has great views and is very busy.

Walking by the river Reno

Beyond the Sanctuario the path empties and descends down to the river Reno. The river is wide and flows gently, showing no sign of the heavy rain that fell last week. The route was easy and well marked and we walked along the valley, crossing back and forth across the river. We ate our sandwich lunch by the side of the path.

Near to Sasso Marconi the path left the river and climbed into the hills. The path was redirected around some mudslides which led us on some busy roads which made for a perilous end to the day.

We celebrated our safe arrival in Sasso Marconi with a cup of tea in the first bar we passed.

---

Tonight we are staying at the Bettola hotel and restaurant in Sasso Marconi. We are the only guests and the restaurant is closed so it is takeaway pizza for supper.