On the ‘Golden Trail’: Sobotka to Mnichovo Hradiště, via Kost – 28 km

• This long day’s walk traverses an important segment of Český ráj’s most famous trail – the golden trail (Zlatá stezka Českého ráje)
• The portion of the Golden trail from Kost to Valečov castle maybe slightly less famous than the section of Trosky to Valdštejn (see On the ‘Golden Trail’: Trosky to Turnov for details of this walk), but it is no less interesting, and passes through the whole length of the Příhrazské rock area
• The challenge is finding a good starting point for a day trip on this segment. The closest train station to Kost is Libošovice, but a more attractive option is the slightly further away Sobotka train station. This allows the route to visit the historic Sobotka town, as well as the Humprecht hunting lodge, the heritage village of Vesec and the fascinating Plakánek valley, all before getting onto the Golden trail at Kost.
• The walk finishes at the main train station in Mnichovo Hradiště (direct trains to Prague)
• Although the trail does not have major difficulties, there are some steeper sections, and as with most Český ráj tours, the paths can be slippery during and after heavy rain.
• There is approximately 600 m height gained and lost on the 27.7 km route. At various points in the second half of the walk it is possible to slightly shorten the route by leaving the Golden trail, if at risk of missing a train.

Directions

Note: the main challenge with this walk will be getting to Sobotka early enough to complete the route before the last train from Mnichovo Hradiště. If there are no convenient transport options to Sobotka early in the morning, an alternative is to arrive in Sobotka the previous day. This would allow a leisurely visit to this historic town the evening before. Overnight accommodation options include the attractive historic Hotel Pošta on the town square

• Start the walk from Sobotka train station (Sobotka is on the regional line from Mlada Boleslav to Mladějov. There are regular direct trains from Prague to Mlada Boleslav. There may also be bus connections to Sobotka from Černý most bus station, in the north of Prague)
• From the train station take the BLUE trail in the direction of Humprecht, diverting briefly to visit the Baroque hunting lodge if there is time
• Continue on the BLUE trail to reach the main road where there is a car park for the Hunting lodge. Turn left and continue walking straight along the road – do not follow any of the marked trails (these take longer to reach the same point without being in particularly interesting terrain)
• After 1.2km, the BLUE hiking trail joins the road. Continue straight along the road (also on the BLUE trail) for a further 300m. On the left , just after the cross, take the turning into the attractive heritage village of Vesec
• From Vesec continue on the BLUE trail through the start of the Plakánek valley for 2.3 km to reach the signpost of Plakánek – údolí. Here turn right onto the YELLOW trail and follow this for 1.7 km to reach the castle of Kost . At Kost there are various refreshment options including Restaurant Kost.
• From Kost, continue on the RED trail (the Zlatá stezka) through the village of Srbsko to reach the signpost of Hynšta after 6.9km. There is an optional detour (0.3km) to visit the small rock fort/cave of Hynšta.
• Continue on the RED trail for 1km to reach to car park of Příhrazy. From there the trail climbs up to the small rock fort of Stará Hrada (steep steps) after 1km
• Continue on 1.4km to reach Krásná vyhlídka viewpoint, where there is an excellent restaurant Na krásné vyhlídce
• Continue on the RED trail passing through the Studený průchod rock cleft and past the Vyhlídkové místo and Heroldova viewpoints
• After 1.5km reach the interesting rock castle of Drábské světničky.
• Continue on for 500m to reach the signpost of Klamorna (optional detour to the small rock fort)
• From Klamorna, continue on the RED trail for 3.6km to reach the castle of Valečov.
• Continue past the car park of Pod Valečovem (refreshments available in the kiosk) into the village of Zásadka and then across the fields to reach Mnichovo Hradiště train station (4.1km from Zásadka).
• With some extra time consider walking into the centre to visit the large baroque chateau of Mnichovo Hradiště (note: it is a 1.3km walk to the chateau from the train station)