Valečov to Kost, via Drhlenský and Komárovský ponds – a 27 km tour
- A full day circular walk along relatively easy trails through the attractive and less frequented southerly section of the Příhrazské skály, visiting en route the impressive ruins of Valečov castle, and the gothic castle of Kost
- Return via the Drhlenský, Komárovský and Suhrovické ponds, with possible bathing spots at the Komárovský or Drhlenský lakeshores
- Various refreshment options should be available in Kost and Kněžmost
- The route has particularly steep sections, but can be muddy in places
- Total distance including optional diversions is 27.1 km. Height gained/lost on the route is 430m
- The described route starts at the easily accessed and large car park close to Valečov castle. It is also possible to access this walk by taking the train to/from Mnichovo Hradiště. This adds 9 km to the walk, making it potentially a very long day.
“This is one of my favourite day’s walks, partly because it is on quieter, less known trails, but also because it is so varied, with sections in the tall rocks of Příhrazské, options to visit two of the best medieval castles in the region, and a nice long return journey past the region’s best small lakes”
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 the paid Pod Valečov car park (payment at kiosk), easily accessed off the D10 highway
- Take the RED-GREEN-YELLOW trail through the impressive 14th century ruins of Valečov
- Continue on this trail for 400m until the signpost, then take the RED trail (direction Skalka)
- After 1.2km reach the road (Skalka signpost), and switch to the BLUE trail (direction Obětní kámen)
- After 1.1km there is an (optional) diversion to see the mysterious stone called Obětní kámen
- Continue on the BLUE trail for further 2.6 km until the trail bends sharply to the north. Take the downhill unmarked track to link after 100m with the RED trail
- Continue on the RED trail for 3.3km through Srbsko village to 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. [Note: 100m before reaching the village of Nová Ves there is an option to take a short detour to the attractive Komárovský lake by turning off the GREEN trail on a side road towards the lake. The lakeshore trail leads for 400m to the campsite where there is a swimming spot. After visiting the lakeshore, return back to Nová Ves]
- At Nová Ves take the YELLOW trail (direction Drhleny)
- Continue on the YELLOW trail past Drhlenský rybník ( there are a couple of bathing places) and continue on this trail past the landscaped lakes of Suhrovické rybníky
- After 5 km 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)