Friday 18th September 2026

Montforte to Cissone

Sleep monster is still winning the battle and it’s 400am trying to resolve issue with the renovations back home and praying for an unexpected victory tonight for the Swans.

Pretty sumptuous breakfast partaken, followed by a visit to panini shop to get supplies for a long and rolling trip.

First hill of the day was to retrace steps up past the grass amphitheatre which was doubly hard with 6Kgs of supplies on the back. Thankfully the decision to pull out the poles was vindicated in the first 10 minutes.

The sun was trying to peep through the mist and we enjoyed filtered views of more hills covered with grape vines , in some places interspersed with hazel nut plantations, where the Italians contend the best crops in the world are grown.

Having conquered the first up we were soon on a seismographic journey across the hills on a mixture of surfaces including more of the tractor scrapes which were often at 45 degree angles and constantly testing the knees, calves and ankles.

Whilst the towns grew smaller the wineries and outhouses seemed to gain size and quality. Even mid morning tourists were starting to fill the carparks and probably empty their pockets in a region famous for its high quality wines.

The density of the grapes on the vines was amazing and augured well for a good late harvest. The vineyards were full of workers readying the crops, tractors were a dime a dozen and driven on slopes where it was even difficult just to walk.

After an arduous few hours of walking we reached our first rest stop which just happened to be the hazelnut production facility in Sonia. We were greeted by three very cheerful dogs who became our trail buddies for a few kilometres. It’s amazing what a little affection does to dogs over here.

We helped the economy by buying some nuts and two very delicious sundaes with nuts and chocolates- who needs wine and cheese when this delicious food is offered up.

The next part of the journey was through forests which abutted the vineyards and on were slightly more comfortable footing, though the gradient wasn’t very kind and sweaty brows was the order of the day until we popped out onto a tarmac road just short of town (Roddino where we availed ourselves of the picnic tables to devour but another prosciutto and ham panini washed down with spring water from the adjacent well. We were soon joined by a few of the Swedish hares and locals picnicking and enjoying the view.

Headed up into town and gave it a cursory look over as most shops etc were closed for siesta.

Struck out down a very steep trail , again on mixed surfaces, to reach an unusual phenomenon – flat ground- which lasted about 100 metres before more vineyard hopping and finally a paved road towards home base which zigzagged its way to the top and our Agritourismo. Bags hadn’t arrived so it was a bit of rehydration and taking in the view across the valley to the host of hilltop towns.

It was a great set up with big rooms, good view, pool and a dining experience where quality and price were high but very enjoyable.

The rigours of the day started to kick in and the need for sleep was almost immediate, albeit with a little time to watch the highlights of the Swans demise.