Highlights of Hrubá Skála; a challenging 10km tour
- An adventurous 10.2km walk taking in all the spectacular valleys, viewpoints, gullies, steps and pinnacles of the Hrubá Skála rock formations
- This is a harder version of the classic 10k, adding additional viewpoints and step sections through the rock formations. It explores the wonders of Hrubá Skála from almost every conceivable angle
- With 404m of height gained/lost, much of this on steep and sometimes slippery step sections, this is quite a strenuous walk, even if only of moderate length
- Refreshments should be available at the castle of Hrubá Skála, at Valdštejn (if this short extension is taken) and the starting/finishing car park of Sedmihorky
“Hrubá Skála is at the very heart of Český ráj. The largest sandstone plateau in the region has everything that is great about Český ráj; spectacular rock pillars, eerie canyons, mysterious forest glades, and ancient castles. Explore this unforgettable terrain by taking the sometimes steep and challenging paths of the ‘highlights’ tour”
- Start and finish the walk at the paid car park of Lázně Sedmihorky (accessed off the main road 35 between Turnov and Jičin)
- From the car park take the BLUE trail (direction Janova vyhlídka)
- After 2.5km reach the Janova viewpoint (for far reaching views to the north)
- Continue on the BLUE trail for 400m to join with the RED trail at U Kavčin
- Here there is the option to take the RED trail for 500m to visit the gothic castle of Valdštejn (usually open from April to October). Refreshments available at the Hospůdka U Hradu, next to the castle. Return back to the U Kavčin sign after visiting Valdštejn
- From U Kavčin take the RED trail for 3km towards Hrubá Skála, stopping off on way at the famous viewpoints of Na Kapelu and U Lvíčka and the Arboretum (snack bar close to the entrance exit).
- Just before the parking area at Hrubá Skála, there is a detour on the right side (steep steps) up to the interesting Prachovna viewpoint/fortified rock
- Return to the Hrubá Skála car park to explore Zámek Hrubá Skála, which is a private hotel, but the courtyard is open to the public and worth seeing. The castle restaurant (usually open year round) leads off the inner courtyard
- Other refreshment options are at the kiosks by the car park or at the interesting Hotel Stekl (only at weekends for lunch in the main season)
- From Hrubá Skála car park, take the GREEN trail (somewhat hidden behind the snack bar next to the parking area) down the steep steps through the narrow rock cleft (the Myší díra)
- At the bottom of the steps, leave the GREEN trail and take the BLUE trail to the left, which after 300m (steep steps up) leads to the U Adamova lože trail junction.
- At the U Adamova lože signpost, take the YELLOW trail (direction Mariánská vyhlídka) stopping off at the two viewpoints (Mariánská vyhlídka and Zámecká vyhlídka)
- After 1.7km on the YELLOW trail, reach the Antonínův pramen signpost and turn right onto the BLUE trail (direction Sedmihorky)
- After 800m reach the car park, where there may be refreshments available at the snack bar