Lovely Belinda, who is currently living at Ponte a Serraglio, has written a post for us about a walk she did in August with guides Franz Della Mea and Francesco Foschi. Francesco took the beautiful photos of the scenery along the way.
A long walk to Lago Nero…by Belinda
Luckily the August day we chose for our long walk to Lago Nero was not too hot. Our destination is quite high in the mountains so we had to be careful to dress appropriately, you can never be sure of the weather in the mountains and it can change suddenly.
Our journey began at the base of Prato Fiorito. I was promised a long walk and my guides certainly gave it to me. Our uphill walk lasted for 5 hours.
Lago Nero is close to Abetone and we passed gorgeous scenery along the way. Sometimes looking over the edge towards Orrido di Botri was a bit ‘hairy’.
Admiring the view
The upward journey seemed endless at times, but we stopped often to take in the magnificent views and to eat our Mars bars for energy.
A standout tree
More stunning scenery
We finally reached Lago Nero. The lake definitely looks black…hence the name. We were very close to Abetone, in fact we could see the cable cars and ski run tracks.
Happily on a downhill bit towards the lake
The lake is small and at quite a high altitude, 1,730 metres elevation. It is in the Provence of Pistoia in northern Tuscany.
The lake comes into view
Beautiful Lago Nero
Guide number 3, Rino, cooling off in the lake
We really deserved our lunch at the rifugio where we dined on cheese, bread and red wine. These rifugios are dotted through the area and do a great job for a small donation.
After an hour rest we struggled to get our tired legs moving for the 4.5 hour return walk…the only way home.
On the way back to Prato Fiorito we took in different details of the landscape. For instance,the many variety of mushrooms and colours…and found it fun hunting down a bag full of the small bright yellow ones which are a flavoursome ingredient with the right pasta. We also noticed patches of ‘dug-up ground and rustled leaves, evidence of chingali, but luckily the wild boar were nowere to be seen in the daylight.
The 9.5 hour walk was a bit gruelling at times but fabulously rewarding. A return visit is in order for next summer.
There are lots of amazing walks in the mountains around Bagni di Lucca. I will tell you soon of some others I have done.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
Thanks!!! Walks are on my to-do list, though I will start much more humbly…
Hugs Belinda!
It looks wonderful up there, but I would also tackle a more modest walk. I am not much good at lots of uphill stuff.
We were in Abetone a couple of weeks ago. There seems to be a trail from there, going to Lake Nero. I found out that the lake is home for a native salamander called the alpine newt. It has a vivid orange belly. Unfortunately, it is becoming a popular “exotic pet” and I am worried about their future…http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rLOvzr-buCw
It is such a beautiful area and Francesco’s photos are wonderful. I might try the trail from Abetone. I hope the salamander survives.
This is a good walk which I’ve done – another good one is to lago santo
It looks like a great walk. I wish I was better at mountains.
Beautiful. Lovely photos. Such a gorgeous walk.
The mountains around Bagni di Lucca are magnificent.
What a great guest blog, thanks Belinda. Beautiful photos also Francesco.
I am hoping for lots more…and from Chris, are you out there Chris?
Beautiful
Our little part of Italy is stunning.
Looks beautiful, I’ve found out so much about the area on this site, thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to look. We love Bagni di Luccs and want to share it with the world.