Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!
The traditional route for this section of the Via Francigena is from Radicofani to Acquapendente. The problem is that the path takes you along a busy, shoulderless highway for several kilometers. What’s a hiker to do?
After planning and scheming, we found these key options.
1. Take your chances. Although not recommended, many walkers have done this…and lived to tell the tale. 24 km.
2. Take the bus. Our guidebook recommends using alternative transportation, especially for the “decidedly dangerous” section from Centento to Acquapendente.
3. Take your time. By detouring through Proceno, you add 7.7 km to your trip, and increase the “altitude difference ascent” from 220m to 600m. You also avoid the roads and increase your scenic views.
What route would you choose? We went with option #3…with a twist. We are staying the night in Proceno, where we are currently enjoying a well deserved gelato. After a 26.8 km hike (and a brand new blister on ny heel)…at least we think so!
Accommodations: Ostello Del Pellegrino, Piazza della Libertà, Proceno. 339-258-6470. 4 single beds in bedroom (plus 2 additional fold-up beds and couch in kitchen/sitting room). 10 euros per person. Kitchen use available.
Retirement Reflections 
i love your easy style of writing and the fine detail of your accommodation
. Blister or not keep on walking.
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Thanks for stopping by, Clive, and for the encouragement. Both are greatly appreciated!
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Exactly…what’s the rush? I’m glad you went with option three, Donna. Walking on a shoulderless highway sounds a little risky. I think Richard needs to send that first photo of you into J Crew…you’d make a great model for them. Thanks for sharing your journey. Stay safe!
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You are so kind, Jill. You always have a way if making my day!
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I think you made just the right choice! Bummer about the blister, but I imagine you’ve brought bandages to deal with them. I love your top picture of the artichokes. We have a volunteer plant in our yard and we’ve been eating them before they get a chance to develop that lovely purple fuzz… but we may leave a few for the color.
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Are those plants artichokes?! I would have never (ever) guessed that! 🙂
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Yes!..it was a bit hairy on that section before turning up the old road to Radicofani. A few close-ish calls on blind bends but clearly I lived to tell the tale & so did the two Germans (David & Janina) behind me.
I’m in Bolsena tonight…fortuitously it’s the festival for the local Saint. However you should time it for the Hydrangea festival (3 day event) & they are beautiful.
Tomorrow will be very hot (mid 30’s C) so take extra care…& extra water!
Enjoy x
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Hi, Karen – I am glad to hear that you made it through unscathed! You are a much braver woman than I! 🙂
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Oops! Sorry…my post should have said ‘old road to Aquapendente’ not Radicofani!
How has she made it this far….?! 🤭
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Yup, I knew what you meant. But I loved this second comment so much that I decided to keep both!
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I would definitely have avoided the road especially with Italian drivers. I might have caught the bus so I admire you persevering.
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Thanks, Anne – on our Caminos, Richard and I try to stick to a “only by foot” rule. I think that if we got on a bus…we might just stay there all of the way to Rome! 🙂
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Ouch to the blister! Hope it doesn’t hold you back.
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Thanks, Anabel – The blister did heal remarkably quickly. Incredibly calloused feet have a way of making sure that nothing thrives on their terrain! 🙂
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Oh, no, a blister. Oh, no! Hope your evening stay allowed you time to recuperate a bit. And that the scenic views are breathtaking.
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Thanks, Leslie – The blister quickly became a non-issue…and the views were breathtaking! Thank you for following.
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I would’ve picked #3 too!
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Great minds think alike! 🙂
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Definitely a well deserved gelato… and a good decision to stay the night. Sorry to hear about the blister. Maybe some good local red wine will help it to heel.
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Hi, Jo – It’s wonderful having you follow along. Thank you so much!
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Option # 3 the only true choice. Watch the blisters, band aids , rest and wine – all winning combinations. Beautiful vistas. We are Living the Camino vicariously through you. Be safe. B&D
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Thanks, Brenda and Dennis – We love how you think…especially the red wine part!
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Hope the blister is ok. What’s a few more kilometers anyway?
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Absolutely!
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You both are AMAZING! Do you know how many fans you have cheering you on? Your photos of the countryside AND your smiling faces say so much. Thanks for this inspiration! ~Kathy
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Hi, Kathy – This comment totally rocks!! Everyone’s support and encouragement has made a huge difference!
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Yeah about the gelato! Oh, no about the blister:(
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Thanks, Erica – The gelato here is truly amazing! It could quickly become a (very) bad habit!
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Option 3. It’s a no brainer. I am wondering if you have stuff for blisters, we met some new Zealanders walking to base camp who had sheep’s wool to wrap around your toes etc to stop or cushion blisters. I am doing this hike, definitely. I need to retire first though. Avanti, sempre avanti. Siete bravi!!!!
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Thanks, Louise – We have tons of stuff in our First Aid Kit for blisters. Ironically, I find that duct tape works best!
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Yep! I would have picked option 3 as well! I hope you enjoyed your gelato and the blister is manageable!
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Thanks, Liesbet – The good thing about having (very) calloused feet is that blisters seem to do less damage!
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Yup, I would’ve gone for option 3 too! hope the blister was ok – Eek!
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Thanks, Sam – That blister is already healed!
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Ouch! The distances you are travelling every day make me weary! I am a slow walker and 27 km in one day would take me a VERY long time!!
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Hi, Joanne – The first time that a colleague told me that she had just walked 700 km in 40 days (Spanish Camino) I wondered why…and how! The next summer Richard and I walked 110 km in 8 days. We became totally hooked! 🙂
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I’ve learned to never say never. Like you said, it’s easy to get smitten with something once it’s actually been tried 🙂
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That’s an excellent philosophy, Joanne!
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Hi Donna – me too … I’d do #3 … but don’t fancy the blisters! You are doing wonders and I’m loving seeing the journey with you … my feet rest easy! Cheers Hilary
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Thanks, Hilary – Fortunately, my blister was very small and very short-lived. I hiked the full trail in sandals and would definitely do that again!
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