Bagni San Filippo to Ponte a Rigo 23k The castle on the hill

We start out with blue skies and sunshine and begin the 400 metre ascent to Radicofani. The tower on the top looks more and more like a castle from a chess set as we approach the town.
The countryside is changing, becoming wilder and with occasional flocks of sheep.
Radicofani is another town consisting of one long street which we walk down admiring the dark stoned houses. A brisk climb brings us up to the massive castle tower with views in all directions.
We see no other pelegrinos all day although for an excited Italian cyclist doing the Via Francigena, who embraces Ray like a long lost cousin in the main square.
After a ham and cheese sandwich in a square named after a famous bandit who terrorised the pilgrims from the safety of the castle, we begin the long descent down a ridge with more splendid views in all directions.
Ponte a Rigo consists of a bridge, a bar and a church with an attached Ostello where we will stay tonight.