We begin the excursion from the historic center of Bagno Vignoni, a delightful village that has a pool as a square from which springs of thermal water arise. Following the course of the drainage channel of the basin (called “Gorello”) we enter the park of the mills, where the thermal water was used as the driving force  for four mills dug into the limestone rock. We go down the park of the mills and continue on a valley bottom path that runs along the Orcia river following the sign for “Ripa d’Orcia”. As soon as the path begins to climb, we make a small detour to the left to reach the river, at the point where the Ripa d’Orcia Nature Reserve begins, characterized by gorges. We resume our path, this time uphill and we reach the dirt road that connects San Quirico d’Orcia with the Castello di Ripa. At this point we can refuell with water at a fountain, and then continue to the right towards the uphill road. Reached the ridge we tind a crossroads and turn right tor the castle ot Vignoni, from which you can enjoy an exceptional view of the valley, the Rocca d’Orcia and the surrounding villages. Wepass the castle and tollowing the signs tor Bagnovignoni we walk along a stretch ot Via Francigena to close the excursion directly in the water square.