The beech

map	variation	tracks and GPS waypoint

Total length	Km. 5,4
Total difference of levels	mt.42
Travelling times	2h 00'	5h 00'
Difficulty	low

This course draws its name from the beautiful beech wood along which it gently winds its way. From the very start at the Primo Rifugio (First Hut), you find yourself immediately part of an atmosphere characterised by the restful shade of the trees, alternating with beams of light that penetrate with difficulty through the thick foliage. Being 5.4 km long and rising by 42 metres in level, this is the shortest and easiest path ("low" degree of difficulty), but this doesn't mean that it is less enjoyable. In fact the visitor, as well as enjoying the beauty of the woods, will have the chance of relaxing in the equipped rest places set up near the "Madonna del Camicione". Due to its particular features, this track is particularly suited to beginners and children and can be travelled in both directions.

Primo Rifugio (First Hut)
For many skiers from Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio, Mount Amiata has been for decades the place in which to learn to ski. At the Primo Rifugio (First Hut), (the first location encountered while climbing towards the summit from the Abbadia San Salvatore side) one finds the first training slopes and the start of the chair lifts for the summit, from which the downhill ski tracks branch their way down. From here, winding for several kilometres through pleasant beech woods, are found numerous cross-country ski tracks. Being equipped as a rest area and with ample parking, the Primo Rifugio is certainly one of the places most frequented by tourists during the summer season. The creation of courses suitable for hiking and mountain biking further heightens the interest in these tourism features. Hiking or biking through the beech woods of mount Amiata, one encounters rock formations which, associated with the beauty of these woods, enchant the visitor with their unique spectacular scenarios.

La faggeta (The beech)
Beech trees on mount Amiata are found from an altitude of about 1000 metres a.s.l. through to the summit at 1738 metres. This is a species of tree that prefers a cold climate, high humidity and constant temperatures without excessive range changes. It is a high-stock tree (it can grow to a height of up to 30/40 metres) with smooth trunk and long branches that form a wide and thick, very shady foliage. One of its characteristics is that it suppresses all other species, thus establishing pure woods (with no undergrowth) creating precise demarcation lines with the other species. It is for this reason that a walk through beech woods is particularly pleasant, since the impression gained is of woods that are kept particularly clean and cared for. Firs, yews and holly are exceptions, since at times they manage to grow together with the beech within this particular micro-climate. Its wood lends itself to crafting and for this reason it is used for the manufacturing of furniture as well as being an excellent fuel, both for straight wood-burning or for producing coal (this is why several charcoal piles can be found in the area). Its fruit produces a seed, called "faggiola", which is food for wild boars, squirrels, jay birds and other animals at home in the woods.

The Madonna del Camicione
A legend narrates that Camicione (a shirt-seller from Abbadia San Salvatore), while climbing the slopes of Amiata on his way back to the village, cursing and swearing because it was nightfall and he had been overtaken by darkness and couldn't see the way, caused the devil to appear. Terrorised by this apparition, he began to pray to the Madonna to save him. The Madonna delle Grazie came to his aid and since then, on the site of the apparition, the small aedicula named "Madonna del Camicione" was built. Part of the surrounding woods also houses a rest area equipped with benches, tables and large barbecue grills close to an enormous volcanic mass.