The itineraries presented here, proposed by the Montespertoli Municipal Administration, require some clarifying notes before being undertaken.

The fact that these itineraries are made available to the public does not constitute any additional responsibility for the Administration, the properties crossed by the routes, or those who designed them. The hiker, being an adult capable of making informed decisions, is expected to behave appropriately according to the environment they are in, the activity they are undertaking (a hike), the approach they take to this experience, and especially considering that they will be moving through private properties. Every activity, even simply standing still, carries risks, and hiking is no exception to this general rule. Therefore, even hikers about to embark on these proposed trails face unavoidable, unpredictable risks for which the aforementioned parties are not responsible. However, while some risks are unavoidable, human behavior can and should be managed appropriately to minimize the associated risks.

The first fundamental rule is that the hiker, before setting out on foot and after carefully reading these introductory notes, should equip themselves with all the technical tools available on this site, which include:

• The summary description of the route
• The route map
• The GPS track of the route
• The route’s elevation profile

In addition to these four tools, a fifth tool is represented by the white-and-red markings and wooden signs present along the route. By using these tools, and only by using them, the hiker will have all the resources provided by the route planners and should always have more than one tool ready for use. Relying solely on the GPS track, for example, can expose the hiker to risks that cannot be avoided, as in some particularly challenging morphological areas, even the satellite signal may be imperfect, resulting in an approximate track. Thus, having the summary description (staying with the example) that provides step-by-step directions can be a valuable aid.

The second equally fundamental rule concerns rational, cautious, and polite behavior while traveling these itineraries. Deliberate irrational and reckless behavior by the hiker exposes them to risks that can only be attributed to themselves. Additionally, rude behavior while crossing properties, apart from being unwelcome, is not acceptable. Leaving litter, making noise, damaging vegetation or facilities related to agricultural operations, are strictly prohibited everywhere, especially when we are guests in someone else’s home.

There are also common rules usually recommended for hiking: check the weather conditions before departing, avoid descending into a stream bed during heavy rain, equip yourself with trekking boots, a backpack, and a water bottle. In winter, include gloves, gaiters, and a hat; in summer, sunscreen, a cap, and extra water, even though these routes are not recommended during the peak heat periods, along with a venom antidote (available at pharmacies and medical supply stores). These are the essentials; beyond that, each person is free to make additional decisions.

Happy hiking.