Podtrosecká údolí – an 8km flat walk along this beautiful valley
- A lovely flat ‘there and back’ walk along the Podtrosecká valley, which starts at the small lake (rybník) of Vidlák and follows the path of the Jordánka and Žehrovka streams
- The walk passes various natural springs and the rybníky of Krčák and Věžický rybník. It finishes at the Podsemínský water mill
- Total walk length is a maximum of 8.2 km (there is an option to turn back at any point), and has only 89m of height gained/lost.
- The path is mostly a broad flat track, and is achievable with a baby stroller, although there are some sections with tree roots to navigate
- This walk may be combined with the 7km circular trip to Trosky castle, which would create a full exploration of the Podtrosecká valley, as both walks start and finish at the Vidlák car park (note: the 7km extension is not navigable with a baby stroller)
- Refreshments should be available at the start/finish of the walk at Vidlák
“Podtrosecká is my favourite valley in Český ráj. The variety of the scenery is exceptional, from the lake shores to the towering sandstone rock walls. My preferred time to visit is spring and autumn when the colours are fabulous, but one day I will be brave and visit in mid summer and have a dip in the ‘warm’ waters of Věžický rybník!”
Directions
- Start and finish at the (paid) Vidlák car park, which is reached off the Turnov/Jičin road (turn off at Borek). Note this is a small car park and can get full at peak times.
- From the car park, take the YELLOW/RED trail (direction Věžický rybník)
- Follow the trail for 3.3km through the attractive Podtrosecká údolí (marshland, natural springs and rybníky) past the Věžický rybník (apparently a good bathing spot due to the warm waters and sandy bottom) to reach the signpost of U Přibyla (the last 800m section is on the road)
- At U Přibyla turn left onto the RED trail (direction údolí Žehrovky)
- After 800m reach the Podsemínský mlyn (originally built in the 16th century, but now an early 20th century building). Note the photogenic sandstone bridge which featured in the Czech film “Jak dostat tatínka do polepšovny”.
- Return to Vidlák along the outbound path. Refreshments should be available at the restaurace Vidlák or the kiosk, both next to the car park