The best traffic-free bike rides around Vagli Sotto

In this period the lake is at maximum capacity and offers stunning panoramas in the sunlight

The lake of Gramolazzo is a lake in the Apuan Alps located near the homonymous village in the municipality of Minucciano. Of artificial origin, it was created in the second half of the 1900s, together with the lake of Vagli by SELT Valdarno for the hydroelectric use of the Serchio river and its tributaries. The lake, which has a surface area of one square kilometer and a volume of 3.8 million cubic meters, has both the Serchio di Gramolazzo as its inflow and outflow, one of the two branches that, joining near Piazza al Serchio, form the Tuscan river. Another important stream that flows into the lake is the Acqua Bianca stream, which coming from Mount Pisanino crosses the village of Gorfigliano. A large part of the water, however, is fed through a channel on the left bank, near the dam, which with a maximum flow rate of 20 cubic meters per second discharges the waters captured from the Serchio into the Sillano valley. The waters of the lake of Gramolazzo feed the Fabbriche power plant which in turn discharges them into the lake of Vagli.

The Oasis of Campocatino is a mountain locality in the Apuan Alps, in the municipality of Vagli di Sotto, located at 1000 m above sea level, beneath the imposing wall of Monte Roccandagia. It includes a large basin of glacial origin, a testament to the extent of Quaternary glaciation in the Apennine area. Inside, we find the typical pastoral buildings called "caselli," which have been preserved with their ancient construction characteristics. Since 1991, it has become a "LIPU Natural Oasis." The coexistence of different environments and the natural integrity of the area have allowed the acclimatization of various bird species that reproduce there. Along the rocky walls, the Alpine chough and the Wallcreeper nest; in the high-altitude meadows and pastures, the Skylark, the Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, the Wheatear, and the Greater Short-toed Lark are observed, while the woods below are populated by the Blackcap, the Goldfinch, the Chaffinch, the Brambling, the Firecrest, the Dartford Warbler, the Robin, the Eurasian Nuthatch, the Song Thrush, the Mistle Thrush, the Wren, and four species of tits: Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, and Marsh Tit. Biodiversity is also present among the birds of prey that inhabit the area: the Tawny Owl, the Kestrel, the Eagle Owl, the Common Buzzard, the Sparrowhawk, and sometimes the Eagle soars over the area in search of prey. A little curiosity: in 1998 Campocatino was the film set for the movie "il mio west" directed by Giovanni Veronesi, starring Leonardo Pieraccioni, Harvey Keitel, David Bowie, and Alessia Marcuzzi. In memory of David Bowie's presence, a statue has been placed near the stone houses to commemorate his time there.

panoramic point

A must-see with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, all immersed in lush greenery.

These reservoirs, created to extract hydroelectric energy, have their own charm, even as industrial architecture. This lake conceals the old town beneath its waters. Attractions such as the suspension bridge and zip line, as well as a family pool, have been built around it. During bike rides, I find refreshments here, taking advantage of the opportunity to take a break.

The place is cool and quiet during the week. Canoe rentals are available for lake excursions.

Beautiful, little water when we passed, but very suggestive.