A 20km tour of Hrubá Skála via Vyskeř and the Podtrosecká valley
- A very varied circular walk, starting at Vidlák, initially along two beautiful river valleys, past a number of small lakes (rybníky) and natural springs, over the volcanic hill of Vyskeř, finally reaching the famous Hrubá Skála viewpoints, castle and rock formations
- Total walk length is 20 km, with a total of 400m of height gained/lost
- There is an option to extend the walk by 4km exploring more of the paths in the Hrubá Skála rocks.
- The paths are mostly broad and the hill sections not particularly steep (provided the 4km extension and the Myší díra options described below are not taken)
- Refreshments should be available at the start/finish of the walk at Vidlák and at the Hrubá Skála castle (but note that there may nothing available for the 15km distance between Vidlák and Hrubá Skála)
“Podtrosecká is my favourite valley in Český ráj. It is usually much quieter than other parts of the region, and the colours – particularly in spring and autumn – are amazing. This tour approaches the popular Hrubá Skála area from a direction not normally used by most tourist groups, so could be a good choice for a sunny weekend in peak season”
Directions
- Start and finish at the small (paid) car park at Vidlák, reached from the Turnov/Jičin main road (turn off at Borek).
- From the car park, take the YELLOW trail (direction Věžický rybník) for 2.6 km through the attractive Podtrosecká údolí to reach the road and small parking area. Here there is a swimming spot in the Věžický rybník
- Continue on the YELLOW trail (along the road) for 1.7 km to reach the Pleskotský mlýn signpost
- Leave the road, still following the YELLOW trail for 2.1 km to reach the signpost of Podvyskeřský mlýn. Here turn right onto the BLUE trail (direction Vyskeř)
- After 2km reach the village of Vyskeř. Continue on the BLUE trail onto the hill, to reach the chapel svaté Anny.
- After the chapel continue on the BLUE trail for 3.1 km to reach the signpost of Pod Radčí (*note: see extension option below)
- Continue the GREEN trail (direction Valdštejn) for 1km to reach the Hrubá Skála ridge at the U Radče signpost. Turn right onto the RED trail (direction Hrubá Skála)
- Continue on the RED trail for 1.8km stopping off at the viewpoints, and passing through the Arboretum, to reach the signpost of U Adamova lože*. Here there is choice of simply carrying on along the flat road (RED trail) for 500m to Hrubá Skála castle, or taking the alternative route on the BLUE trail (also marked Hrubá Skála). The BLUE alternative is recommended for the exciting descent into the gorge and re-ascent through the narrow cleft called Myší díra
- Reach the Hrubá Skála square (car park) where refreshments should be available at the kiosks or at the castle restaurant. The castle is a private hotel, but the courtyard is open to the public and is worth a visit.
- From Hrubá Skála take the RED trail (direction Věžické údolí) reaching the Podtrosecká údolí again after 3.9 km. Turn left onto the YELLOW trail and return to the Vidlák car park after 1.2 km
- Refreshments should be available at the restaurant next to the car park (restaurace Vidlák) or at the kiosk there.
* Note: To extend this walk into an even bigger journey, one recommended option would be to add a circle around the Hrubá Skála rocks. This would add 4km (and 120m of height gained/lost) to the route. To take this extension, at the Pod Radčí signpost continue on the BLUE trail to reach the Arboretum. Turn left along the RED trail as far as Valdštejn castle. From Valdštejn take the YELLOW trail for 3.8 km following signs for Hrubá Skála, rejoining the main route at U Adamova lože signpost