Day 8 Montepulciano to Castiglion Fiorentino

A much flatter 39 mile ride which started with a 5 mile downhill. We peddled east across to Lake Trasimeno which had a seaside resort feel. After a coffee break we cycled along a cycle/footpath near the lake where we chased a hare for a few meters, then he popped out a bush and we saw him again. So lovely to see. We have started the northward part of our holiday, following the valley road, we passed by Cortona as it involved an 800ft climb to see it and it was 36°C by now.  We stopped for lunch in a little village and sampled some local savoury snacks and pastries accompanied by our usual 1.5 litre of water!

Our stop for  the night is another ancient hilltop town; fortunately much less high than the last two. Castiglion Fiorentino is very pretty with gorgeous views and is really quiet. The weather is set to change tomorrow, only 33°C(!) with thunderstorms possible.

Photos   Courtesy of Mr PB