Stage 36a: San Quirico d'Orcia to Gallina. Sunshine, a diversion and more hills. Part 2.

(Alto Vignoni, a sweet little hamlet)

Then through lovely woods, climbing steadily and on, crossing the road, up through olive groves, 

and keeping uphill until just below Rocca, (so that was some hope) and finally a long descent on a dirt track, before more up and down passing a water tap and rest area, before climbing and descending towards Gallina and my stopover at the midpoint on the stage.

I'm so pleased to have finally made it to the Agriturismo Passalacqua, not only because it was a hot and demanding day, but also because in 2020 I paid them a deposit which they have very decently honoured (unlike Hotel Bolsena in Bolsena who took my £150 in 2020 and wouldn't return it when things went pear-shaped.)

The full stage to Radicofani is 32km, with a steep climb at the end.  I'd strongly recommend, unless you are super tough, breaking it as I have at 18km.