A 16km circular tour of the Příhrazské skály
- A classic 16km circular tour visiting the main viewpoints, valleys and rock castles in the Příhrazské skály area, including Valečov and Drábské světničky
- There are sections of cliff edge path with superb panoramic views
- There are several steep step sections and narrow rock passages to navigate, and sections can be very slippery after heavy rain. A total of 530m height is gained/lost on the route
- There is an option to stop at the excellent Na krásné vyhlídce restaurant for refreshments, and there is a kiosk at the Valečov car park
- The described route starts at the easily accessed and large car park close to Valečov castle. However, it is also possible to access this walk by taking the train to/from Mnichovo Hradiště. This adds 9 km to the walk
” Of all the medium length walks in the guide, this is the one I have walked most frequently, and in all four seasons. It is also the first walk that I chose to write up, when starting to prepare this guide. The cliff edge views to the west are the best in the region, and I love the atmospheric and crowd free valleys of the Příhrazské skály”
Directions
If travelling by train to Mnichovo Hradiště, from the station take the RED trail in the direction of Pod Valečem and reach the car park after 4.5 km. Return the same route after completing the walk
- Start and finish at Pod Valečem parking area (payment in the kiosk)
- Take the RED-GREEN-YELLOW trail through the impressive 14th Century castle ruins of Valečov
- Continue on this trail for a further 400m until the signpost. Take the RED trail (direction Skalka).
- After 1.2km reach the signpost Skalka, cross the road, and continue on the RED trail
- After 2km there is a signpost showing the path (an optional diversion) to the small 13th century rock castle of Klamorna.
- Continue on the RED trail for 500m to reach the impressive 13th century rock castle of Drábské světničky (not open in winter)
- Continue on the RED-BLUE trail, and after 150m take the RED cliff edge trail, offering several viewpoints
- Rejoin the RED-BLUE trail and continue for 1.1km to Na krásné vyhlídce restaurant
- Take the RED trail (around the back of the restaurant). This cliff edge path leads after 1.4km to the small 13th century rock castle Staré hrady.
- Continue for 1km on the RED trail to the parking area Přihrazy (Note: steep steps down).
- At the parking area, take the RED-YELLOW trail for 600m until the U Véže signpost and there take the RED trail (direction Hynšta) for 400m.
- At the Hynšta signpost continue on the BLUE trail.
- After 100m there is an optional detour to the small 13th century rock fort (cave) of Hynšta
- Continue on the BLUE trail for 3km, at which point there is a sign for the (optional) detour to the mysterious rock, Obětní kámen.
- Continue on the BLUE trail for 1.1km until joining the road.
- Continue down the road for 1.3km until reaching Pod Valečem parking area (or avoid the road section by following the RED trail which was used for outbound route).
- Refreshments are available at the car park kiosk (when open in season)