A 32km tour of the highlights of southwest České ráj
- An epic 32km tour of the south western section of České ráj, visiting the main rock castles in the Příhrazské skály area, including Valečov , Drábské světničky and Kost.
- The route has sections of cliff path with panoramic views, and passes several small lakes, including the Komárovský rybník where there are swimming places
- Refreshment options at Na krásné vyhlídce, Kost and Kněžmost
- There are several steep step sections and narrow rock passages to navigate and some sections can be slippery after heavy rain
- This long day trip is a moderately hard route requiring good stamina, with 640m height gained/lost during the trip
- The trip could be split over two days by spending a night in the area of Kost (eg at the hotel Podkost). This would be a sensible option if travelling by train to Mnichovo Hradiště, as the walk to/from Mnichovo Hradiště station adds a further 9km to the walking distance
“The southwest section of Český ráj is visited less frequently than the central areas arond Hrubá Skála, but the rocks, views and castles are (in my opinion) just as impressive. The lakes are the largest and most photogenic in the region, so walks in this area can have attractive and tranquil flat sections – ideal on a long walk like this one!”
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 decide whether to take the optional 400m detour to the small 13th century rock fort (cave) of Hynšta (If yes, take the BLUE trail for 100m, then the side marked trail for 300m to the Hynšta cave. Then return back to the Hynšta signpost).
- Continue on the RED trail for 4km through the village of Srbsko until the signpost Chrby.
- At Chrby, continue on the RED trail for a further 2.7km to reach the impressive gothic 14th century castle of Kost
- There are various refreshment options at Kost, including restaurace Kost
- Retrace the route on the RED trail for 2.7 km back to the signpost Chrby and there switch to the GREEN trail (direction Nová Ves)
- Follow the GREEN trail for 3km to the village of Nová Ves, and there switch to the YELLOW trail (direction Drhleny). Just before reaching Nová Ves, there is the option to take a short detour to the right to reach the photogenic lakeshore of Komárovský rybník, where there is a swimming spot
- From Nová Ves, continue on the YELLOW trail past Drhlenský rybník (a couple of bathing places) and then past the landscaped lakes of Suhrovické rybníky
- After 5km reach the village of Kněžmost (possible refreshment options)
- From Kněžmost continue on the YELLOW trail (direction Valečov).
- After 3km reach the Pod Valečov car park (kiosk with refreshments)