I'm also interested in climbing, hiking in Umbria. Is it possible for me to take a day trip by local bus to hike this area and then return the same day? Thanks!
It depends on where in Umbria you wish to go. The train goes to lots of places in Umbria. Buses at some train stations take you to other places. I can tell you from experience that it's a 2.5hr train ride each way to Assisi from Florence.
Thanks! just to clarify, I'm interested in hiking the Umbria Hills which are around Spoleto. There are trails which begin at the far end of the Ponte Alli Torri bridge.