The Orrido di Botri, one of the most beautiful nature experiences in all of Tuscany
Among the hidden wonders of Tuscany, the enchanting Orrido di Botri shines like a true jewel of nature. In spite of its ominous name, this place reveals itself as a magical place with unrivaled charm. Located in the municipal area of Bagni di Lucca, the Orrido di Botri is a nature reserve conceived in the 1970s with the aim of protecting the habitat of the Golden Eagle, which finds a privileged place to nest in these majestic mountains.
The Orrido di Botri canyon
The heart of the Orrido is a majestic canyon, the largest in all of Tuscany, carved into the limestone rock by the Rio Pelago and its tributaries, which penetrate deeply into an intricate path of beauty and mystery. The evocative excursion begins from Ponte Gaio, where we find the headquarters of the forest ranger, a welcoming parking area and a restaurant, and extends up to the point known as “della Piscina”. Access to the Orrido di Botri canyon is only possible during the summer months, i.e. from June to September, when the water level is considerably lower and the flow rate of the streams is much more contained than in the winter months.
Flora and fauna
The flora and fauna that inhabit this natural oasis are of unparalleled richness. Wild goats, roe deer, wild boars, wolves, and a variety of plants, including wild garlic with edible leaves, wild linden and even a carnivorous plant called the butterwort, make this land a true paradise. The dense vegetation and the spectacular views are the stage for a magical experience that is amplified by the sun’s rays that filter through the fronds, creating an enchanted aura around those who walk these paths.
Trekking in the Orrido di Botri
The adventure of trekking to the Orrido di Botri is accessible to everyone, not necessarily the most experienced hikers. All you need is adequate trekking shoes, a little prudence and a good athletic condition. The Reserve is carefully managed by the State Forestry Corps, which provides visitors with the helmets needed to undertake the excursion.
For those who want an expert guide, guided tours depart from Ponte Gaio and can be booked with various environmental guides authorized by the Tuscany Region. However, it is possible to venture out independently, even if always with the utmost care, taking care to wear suitable clothing and safety devices. The duration of the route is approximately 4 hours, and even children can participate in this extraordinary adventure, provided they are able to walk independently and are constantly supervised by their parents.
Unlike many other excursions, in which you try to avoid the water, in the heart of the Orrido di Botri it is practically impossible to proceed without entering it. In some places, the river’s water even reaches knee-deep heights. Despite the acute cold of the water, over time you get used to it and you end up embracing the inevitable immersion even in the stretches where you can continue on dry feet. The path is initially easy and open, but later narrows and becomes steeper, sometimes forcing hikers to use fixed ropes along the rock face to advance safely.
The stones in the river bed are not always stable and often tend to be slippery, so it is essential to proceed with caution. In some sections, the water reaches the groins, which is why it is advisable to wear shorts and prefer smaller backpacks. Bulky and heavy backpacks, as well as the use of snowshoes, should be avoided. To ensure maximum comfort, an idea could also be to wear a swimsuit under the technical clothing to be used when you reach the point called “della Piscina”. From here, the return follows the reverse route, retracing the roads just travelled.
Stories and legends elated to the Orrido di Botri
In addition to the natural wonders, the Orrido di Botri is surrounded by numerous legends and ancient stories that make the place even more mysterious and fascinating. Among these, the legend of the shepherd Botri stands out, who found refuge with his flock in this gorge after being driven away by his fellow villagers due to his terrible deformity. His sad end during a quarrel, followed by his fatal fall from a cliff, gave rise to the belief that his spirit still dwells in the ravine today, rejecting unwanted visitors. Therefore, before embarking on the excursion, it is advisable to carry out a small ritual to ask Botri’s permission to cross his territory, hoping not to attract his stones against us.
Another frequent visitor to the Orrido di Botri, according to legend, is the devil himself. During the trek, hikers may come across the Devil’s Garden and the Devil’s Claw, as well as a patch of red rock said to have been burned by Satan’s tail. These ancient stories give a unique charm to this place, transforming a simple trek into an experience of connection with the past and with nature, making the Orrido di Botri an unmissable destination for those who love the magic of wild and unspoiled Tuscany.
How to get to the Orrido di Botri
To reach the Orrido di Botri from Lucca, you will have to take the Strata Statale 12 up to Fornoli, turn onto the SR 445 towards Abetone and then take the SP 56 up to your destination (Ponte a Gaio).
