Маршрут "РУДОПИЯ"

“RUDOPIA” - tourist route for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking

The total length of the “RUDOPIA” trail is about 400 km and it crosses the Rhodope Mountains from west to east. The starting point is in the town of Velingrad and the route terminates in Mezek, not far from the Bulgarian – Greek border. Along the route there are seven local centers providing you with the possibility to explore in detail the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Rhodopes. These centers are Velingrad, Beglika, Trigrad, Smolyan, Kirdzhali, Madzharovo and .Ivailovgrad.
In the surroundings of these towns there are plenty of tourist trails designed for mountain biking, hiking, water sports and caving. In each town there is a good choice of places providing accommodation, food and tourist services.
Difficulty level and way signs

The “RUDOPIA” trail goes mainly on exsisting forest roads, trails and narrow asphalt roads. The level of technical difficulty is medium. Based on the information provided and the possibilities for accommodation the user may plan how to ride the route depending on his own interests and preferences. The route is has its own way sign – red and white triangle with the letter “R” in it.

The protected territories in the Rhodopes and the “RUDOPIA” trail.

The “RUDOPIA” trail passes nearby a big numbmer of protected areas in the Rhodopes thus providing the user with the possibility to enjoy the beauty and richness of the nature. Long the route there are seven natural reserves - “Mantaritsa”, “Beglika”, “Dupkata”, “Kastrakli”, “Kazanite”, “Soskovcheto” and “Valchi dol”, two maintained reserves - “Momchilovski dol” and “Zhenda”, and 23 protected sites - “Kleptouza”, “Lepenitsa”, “Samodivska polyana”, “Batlyboaz”, “Chatyma”, “Toshkov chark”, “Kaval tepe”, “Stoudenata chuchurka”, “Slancheva polyana”, “Trigradsko zhdrelo”, “Chairite”, “Turlata”, “Rozhen”, “Momina voda”, “Vkamenenata svatba”, “Jumruk skala”, “Sredna arda”, “Golemia sipei”, “Oreshari”, “Momina skala”, “Patronka”, “Chernata skala”, “Gurgena”. The maing purpose of these sites is to protect the amazing biodiversity of the Rhodope mountains.

Short description of the route

From the starting point of the route in Velingrad one must bear southeastern direction and following the valley of Lepenitsa river to reach the main ridge of Batashka mountains. A short descend  will take you to the vast plain meadows of Beglika.
After visit of the picturesque lakes of the region you need to ride further east in the direction of “Malka Djenevra” an “Kavaltepe” located along the shores of “Shiroka polyana” dam. From “Shiroka polyana” the route heads in southern direction and down to the valley of Karadjadere (Sarnena reka) where the information and protection center of the otter is located. The route goes further south and passes trough the village of Zmeitsa to reach Buinovo which is located in the heart  of the mountains. After Buinovo the trail climbs up to the border between Bulgaria and Greece and descends down to Trigrad via Vodni Pad. In Trigrad there is a small museum dedicated to the preservation of the brown bear population in the Rhodopes. The route then passes trough the amazing Trigrad gorge and climbs in southeastern direction towards the area “Chairski ezera” - a group of mountain lakes. It is declares a protected site because of the picturesque landscape of the place and the interestin flora and fauna. The next point of the route is the vilage of Mugla – nicely located on the south slopes of the highest point of the Rhodopes – Mt Perelik. From Mugla to Pamporovo the route follows the so called panoramic road on the northern slopes of Mt Perelik.
Further east the route goes on the top of Prespa ridge passing trough the places with historical significance - “Rhozen” and “Haidushki Polyani”. The next points of the route are Prespa Hut and Svoboda Hut. An amazing panorama can be enjoyed from the top of Mt Momchil (Enihan Baba). Svoboda Hut is the starting point of a long descend in eastern direction towards the saddles “Karakulas” and “Preleza” which marks the geographical border between the western and eastern Rhodopes. This part of the trail is particularly interesting bacause of scenic terrain, strange rock formations and settlements of stone houses. Following the marked route you will reach the tiny settlement named Tuhla from where the trail goes down to the valley of Riben Dol river. This is the starting point of short but steep uphill where it is not possible to ride the bike and you need to push or carry it. It takes 40 – 50 minutes to climb the hill from which the route goes down to Bezvodno – picturesque village located hig above the valley of Borovitza river. From Bezvodno to Kirdzhali the route follows a narrow asphalt road along Borovitza river and Kirdzhali Dam. Interesting sites located along the route in this section are the “Womb Cave” (peshterata “Utroba”), the rock formations near Dazhdovnitsa and Krushka.
The next point of the route after passing the town of Kirdzhali is the megalith site “Perperikon”. On the way one may stop for a quick look of the rock phenomena called “The Stone Wedding” (“Vkamenenata svatba”) located in the vicinity of Zimzelen village. From Perperikon the route continues in eastern direction towards “Studen Kadenets Dam” and the valley of Arda river – the main water source of the Rhodopes.  Following the valley you will reach the former mining town of Madjarovo which is famous as “the kingdom of the vultures” because of the population of vultures and other birds of pray nesting on the rocks around Madzharovo.
The last part of the route links Madzharovo and Mezek village located not far away from the Bulgarian – Greek border. In this section the “RUDOPIA” trail follows the top of  Gorata ridge where you may have a look at “Gluhite Kamani” - a few huge rocks with many cuttings dating from the Thracian period.
The “RUDOPIA” trail ends in Mezek where you may visit the remainings of the medieval fortress and a huge dome tomb dating from the Thracian period.

Detailed description of the route

Stage 1. Velingrad – Beglika – 33 km.

0.0    km – the beginning of the trail is in the center of Velingrad. Head in southern direction on “Saedinenie” Blvd.
3.0    km – Kleptuza recreational area. Take right on the junction.
4.6    km – forestry check point. Here may fill up yor water supplies;
5.70 km – take left on the junction where Lepenitsa and Bistritsa rivers merge.
8.10 km – stay on the asphalt road. The trail to the left leads to Brezi.
9.75 km – keep riding ahead on this junction. The trail to the right leads to the marble quarries.
9.90 km – the influx of Chukura and Bezhanitsa rivers. Keep stright following the valley of Chukura river.
12.00 km – on the slope to the right is the entrance of Lepenitsa cave. The route continues straight.
15.20 km – narrow asphalt road. Take right in the direction of Kachakov Chark. The to the left leads to the town of Rakitovo.
15.60 km – Kachakov Chark. Drinking water and a shelter is proveded here. Keep riding stright on the asphalt road.
16.20 km – the dirt road to the left leads to Pashino Bardo. The route continues forward on the asphalt.
16.40 km – to the left is the entrance to “Chukura” game breeding station.
20.10 km – leave the asphalt road and take a sharp left turn. A steep climb follows.
21.00 km – a junction. Take right in the direction of Chemerikov Chair.
23.00 km – keep left on this diversion.
23.50 km – keep right on this diversion.
23.90 km – Chemerikov Chair. Take to the right after the creek.
24.00 km – take to the right.
24.05 km – keep right.
24.25 km – stay on the same track.
24.40 km – junction. Keep straight ahead. The trail to the right leeds to Mt Sutka.
25.30 km – overpass Semiza stream.
25.50 km – narrow asphalt road. Take left and ride along the river until you reach Beglika.
30.20 km – Beglika. The forest road to the right leads to Karatepe. The route continues on the asphalt road.
31.10 km – keep straight / right on the asphalt road. The road to the left leads to “Beglika Forestry Station” and “Rodopska Pochivka” Hut.
33.00 km – reach the main road Batak – Dospat.

Stage 2. Beglika – Kavaltepe (“Shiroka Polyana” Dam) – 18.6 km.

0.00 km – on the main road Batak – Dospat take left and immediatley right. Follow the gravel road in the direction of “Toshkov Chark” Dam.
1.10 km – keep straight trough the bridge.
4.90 km – keep left.
5.17 km – keep left.
5.30 km – reach the western shore of “Toshkov Chark” Dam.
6.30 km – take right on this junction. The road to the left leads to “Rodopi” forestry station.
7.50 km – the dam of “Tishkov Chark” lake. Ride over the dam and keep straight on the forest road.
7.87 km – a diversion. Take left.
8.00 km – water fountain on the right side of the road.
11.20 km – stay on the main road on this diversion.
12.70 km – a junction. Follow the road to the left.
14.00 km – reach a junction on the northern shore of “Shiroka Polyana” lake. Take left.
17.60 km – come to a  main road  and turn right towards “Kavaltepe” recreational area. The road to the left leads to “Orfei” Hut.
18.10 km – water fountain on the left side of the road.
18.60 km - “Kavaltepe” - food and accommodation is available here.

Stage 3. Kavaltepe – Zmeitsa village – 21.5 km.

0.00 km – ride on the gravel road in western direction.
0.54 km – ride over a dam of the lake.
1.20 km – keep straight on this diversion.
1.58 km – ride over a second dam.
2.38 km – electricity line.
3.26 km – ride over a third dam of the lake.
3.48 km – take left on this diversion.
4.57 km – keep stright ahead.
5.81 km – water fountain.
7.01 km – stay on the main road.
7.27 km – stay on the main road.
7.89 km – come upon an electricity line and junction. Keep straight ahead.
8.14 km – water fountain on the side of the road.
8.63 km – keep riding down on the main road.
12.11 km – reach narrow asphalt road and turn right.
12.70 km – water fountain on the side of the road.
13.27 km -   water fountain on the side of the road. Keep riding down the road.
13.94 km – bower and water fountain on the right side of the road.
15.17 km – reach the informative center of the Otter located on the left side of the road. The route continues forward on the asphalt road.
17.69 km – pump station to the right. Keep straight.
19.00 km – reach the main road Dospat – Devin and turn left.
20.09 km – leave the main road and take right in the direction of Zmeitsa village.
21.50 km – reach the center of Zmeitsa.

Stage 4. Zmeitsa village – Buinovo village – 17.5 km.

0.00 km – bear western direction from the village of  Zmeitsa. After the bridge turn left to wood processing plants.
0.75 km – turnout. Turn left over the bridge and follow the road along the river.
1.90 km – turnout. Continue on the road to the right.
2.80 km – water fountain on the side of the road.
2.90 km – ride over the bridge and keep straight.
3.60 km – turnout. Keep left.
4.70 km – turnout. Continue on the road to the right.
5.40 km – keep straight on the main road.
5.54 km – turnout. Continue to the left.
5.70 km – overpass the stream and continue upwards.
6.10 km – bower and water fountain on the left side of the road.
6.90 km – water fountain on the side of the road.
8.40 km – a few forestry roads merge. Keep upwards on the main one.
10.00 km – turnout. Continue to the left.
10.27 km – reach forestry road merging from the left. Continue straight.
11.00 km – reach the site of the former border barracks. Keep right along the fence.
11.20 km – junction. Keep left along the fence.
11.54 km – T-junction. Turn right.
12.05 km – turnout. Continue on the road to the right.
13.00 km – reach a saddle and follow the main road in the direction of Buinovo village.
13.66 km – water fountain (“Nizamova Cheshma”).
13.90 km – junction. Take right and follow the main road.
15.70 km – you may take the shorcut (path) down to Buinovo or continue on the main road.
17.50 km – the center of Buinovo village.

Stage 5. Buinovo village – Trigrad village – 19.3 km.

0.00 km – take on the road towards Kozhari village.
0.70 km – water fountain on the left side of the road.
1.00 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
1.30 km - bower and water fountain on the side of the road.
2.10 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
3.25 km – the center of Kozhari village. Food store is available here.
3.45 km – BAR :)
3.90 km – cross over the former border fence and keep straight.
4.00 km – turnout. Continue on the road to the left.
4.30 km – water fountain on the right side of the road. Keep straight on the main road.
5.50 km – turnout. Continue straight.
5.70 km – turnout. Keep left.
6.30 km - “Varnitsata” site.
6.90 km – turnout. Continue on the main road straight ahead.
7.00 km -  turnout.  Continue on the main road.
7.60 km – T-junction. Turn left.
7.74 km – reach the border line. Turn left.
8.40 km – continue straight on the road trough the meadow.
9.30 km – cross over the creek and and continue straight.
11.10 km – T-junction. Turn left.
11.60 km – reach the former border guard post and turn left towards the village of Vodni Pad.
12.30 km – Vodni Pad. Follow the main road in the direction of Trigrad.
12.70 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
13.05 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
15.07 km – water fountain (“Usheva voda”).
15.60 km – water fountain, table and shelter.
16.20 km – shelter.
16.70 km – ride over the bridge of Trigradska river and turn left towards Trigrad.
16.90 km – equastrian base Trigrad.
17.80 km – bower with table and water fountain.
19.30 km – reach the center of Trigrad.

Stage 6. Trigrad village – Mugla village – 24.5 km

0.00 km – from the center of Trigrad bear in northern direction on the road to “Diavolsko garlo” cave.
1.30 km – ride pass the museum of the brown bear.
1.60 km – beginning of the Trigrad gorge.
2.30 km – on the left side of the road is located the entrance of “Diavolsko garlo” cave.
4.70 km – on junction near the water fountain take right and follow the gravel road along Chairska river.
12.1 km – the marked trail continues on gravel road across the bridge.
12.7 km – stay on the main road.
14.7 km – bower on the left side of the road.
14.8 km – turnout. Take left here and follow the road down to the river.
15.0 km – cross over Chairska river.
16.0 km – Chairksi ezera site (“Chairski Lakes”). Accommodation is available here. The route continues uphill on the main road.
18.9 km – the road reaches a saddle from which goes down in the direction of Mugla village.
20.0 km - reach a T-junction. There are three different options to continue towards Mugla from here:
- turn right and follow a gravel road in eastern direction. It has a longer distance but lower grade;
- turn left and follow the way marks (this option is described further in the text);
- go straight ahead on a trail that climbs a steep hill and descends down to Mugla.
20.6 km – turn right and follow steep uphill.
21.2 km – reach the top of the ridge above Mugla village.
21.7 km – reach electricity line and turn right / down.
24.5 km – reach the center of Mugla village.

Stage 7. Mugla village – Pamporovo – 36.3 km.

0.00 km – ride on the asphalt road out of Mugla in direction of Smolyan.
2.90 km – turnout. Take left and climb on the forest road.
3.40 km – T-junction. Turn left.
3.50 km – reach the small settlement of Kasaka.
4.30 km – turnout. Keep left.
4.50 km -  water fountain on the left side of the road.
5.00 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
7.10 km - water fountain on the right side of the road.
7.70 km - water fountain on the right side of the road.
8.10 km – reach a turnout at Prevala saddle. Continue on the road to the right.
10.4 km – stay on the main road. The trail to the left goes down to “Lednitsata” hut.
13.0 km – stay on the main road. The trail to the left descends down to Gela village.
13.8 km – keep straight on the main road.
14.3 km - keep straight on the main road.
20.1 km – continue stright on the main road. The trail to the left leads down to Stikal village.
27.2 km – reach an asphalt road and turn left. There is a water fountain on the side of the road.
29.0 km – reach the main road on Prevala pass and turn left towards Stoikite.
29.2 km – leave the asphalt road and turn right on a gravel road leading to Pamporovo.
34.6 km – reach “Studenets” ski run and turn left / down towards “Studenets” rest house.
35.0 km - “Studenets” rest house. Continue down towards the main asphalt road.
35.5 km – reach the main road Smolyan – Pamporovo and turn left toward “Finlandia” hotel.
36.0 km – turnout. Turn right towards “Finlandia” hotel.
36.3 km – end of the stage in front of “Finlandia” hotel.

Stage 8. Pamporovo - “Svoboda” hut – 27.8 km

0.00 km – from hotel “Finlandia” ride in eastern direction towards Rozhen.
0.40 km – bypass the parking lot in front of hotel “Belmont”.
0.70 km – keep left at the end of a small meadow.
1.65 km – junction and a bower on the side. Continue sraight ahead.
3.74 km – meadow and a turnout. Continue to the right / down.
4.90 km – “Rozhen” saddle – food and accommodation is available here. The route continues on the asphalt road in the dierection of Haidushki Poljani.
7.10 km – keep straight. The way to the left leads to the National Astronomy Observatory.
11.5 km – reach turnout. Stay on the main road towards “Haidushki Poljani”. The road to the right leads down to Momchilovtsi.
11.8 km - “Momina voda” site. Turn right towards “Haidushki Poljani”. The road to the left leads down to the town of Luki.
13.3 km – turnout. Keep left.
14.3 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
14.5 km – keep straight. “Momchil Yunak” hut is located to the right of the road.
14.7 km – drinking water and a shelter to the left of the road.
15.4 km - water fountain and a barbeque on the left side of the road.
16.7 km – reach a junction in the beginning of “Haidushki Poljani” area. Continue in eastern direction following the road along the lake. The way to the right leads down to Kutela.
17.3 km – turnout. Keep left.
17.5 km – the center of “Haidushki Poljani” resort area. Food and accommodation is available. The route continues towards “Prespa” hut.
18.5 km – reach meadow from which you may take a short but steep track towards “Prespa” hut. The way marked route continues along the forest road.
18.7 km – water fountain to the reight.
20.2 km – reach the ridge and turn left towards the hut.
20.6 km - “Prespa” hut. The route towards “Svoboda” hut continues in eastern direction.
21.5 km – keep straight. To the left there is a path leading to Manastir village.
22.9 km – reach a meadow. Keep straight.
24.1 km – water fountain “Karadjova voda”.
25.1 km – keep straight. The path merging from the left goes down to Manastir village.
25.6 km – reach electricity line. Stay on the track that crosses over the bridge and continues into the forest.
27.1 km – reach the asphalt road Manastir – Davidkovo and turn right.
27.8 km – reach “Svoboda” hut.

Stage 9. “Svoboda” hut – Tuhla – 29.1 km

0.00 km – follow the asphalt road in the direction of Davidkovo until you reach the junction at Krushov Chatal.
3.00 km – leave the asphalt road and turn left. Ride on the forest road trough the meadows.
4.80 km – hunting lodge on the side of the road.
6.00 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
6.50 km – ride pass the ruins of a farm building.
7.30 km - water fountain on the right side of the road.
8.00 km - water fountain on the right side of the road.
9.30 km – turnout at the end of the diwnhill. Continue stright towards the fountain.
9.40 km – take the lower road to the left. Here strarts the descend towards “Preleza” pass.
9.50 km - water fountain on the right side of the road.
11.4 km - water fountain on the right side of the road.
12.6 km – reach the road Belitsa – Zagrajden and turn right. Drinking water and shelter is available here.
16.2 km – continue ahead on the main road.
16.9 km – reach the settlement of Planinsko. Keep straight.
20.4 km – reach an asphlat road. Keep straight.
20.5 km – turnout. Turn left and follow the road towards Riben Dol village.
22.2 km – stay on the main road.
23.5 km - water fountain on the right side of the road.
24.9 km – junction. Turn right towards Tuhla.
25.9 km – reach the settlement of Tuhla. Continue stright ahead, bypass the houses and look for a narrow trail to the left.
26.5 km – fountain. Cross over the creek and continue towards the meadows aiming to reach the influx of the rivers.
28.7 km – the influx of the rivers. Continue on the right side of the river and after 100 meters cross on the left side.
29.1 km – reach a small dam on the river. Here is the beginning of the climb towards Bezvodno. Follow the narrow trail between the bushes.

The next few kilometers of the stage are not described in detail until this moment. After you reach the top of the ridge look for a clear path between the trees in souteastern direction. This path will take to a small settlement named Bozva. From Bozva to Bezvodno there is an old path.


Stage 10. Bezvodno village – Kirdzhali – 44 km.

0.00 km – ride on the asphalt road towards Borovitza Dam.
9.01 km – the dam of Borovitza Lake.
10.0 km – junction. Take the road to the left.
13.0 km - water fountain on the right side of the road.
18.0 km – stay on the main road. The bridge to the right leads to the village of Nenkovo.
18.1 km – nice old bridge on the right.
19.5 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
23.3 km – stay on the main road. To the left starts a path which climbs up to the “womb” cave (“peshterata Utroba”).
24.8 km - “Borovitza” hut is located to the right of the road.
27.5 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
28.0 km – Padartsi village.
31.3 km – to the left is the beginning of a forest road towards Krushka. You will find a nice pond just behind the corner.
31.4 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
31.9 km - water fountain on the left side of the road. In the background are the interesting rock formations of Dazhdovnitsa. Look for the rock cuttings.
34.0 km – Dazhdovnitsa village. Food shop is available here.
34.4 km – turnout. Turn right on the asphalt road towards Penyovo village.
34.5 km – Penyovo village. There is a food shop and a small bar.
37.0 km – Blenika village.
39.0 km – Enchets village.
39.6 km – the road to the right leads to Glavatartsi where accommodation and food is available.
41.6 km – stay on the main road to Kirzhali.
43.6 km – keep straight trough the gipsy quarter.
44.0 km – roundabout. End of the stage.

Stage 11. Kirdzhali – Perperikon – 23 km.

0.00 km – start at the roundabout and ride towards “Balgaria” Blvd.
0.30 km – cross the boulevard and ride towards the hospital.
0.80 km – pass the building of the hospital.
0.90 km – turn right after the hospital and follow the road towards Zimzelen village.
2.74 km - water fountain on the left side of the road.
3.47 km – junction. Turn right.
3.65 km – to the left starts a short trail which leads to the natural phenomena “The Stone Wedding” (“Vkamenenata Svadba”).
4.00 km – Povet village.
4.30 km – reach a T-junction in the center of Povet. Turn left.
5.60 km – reach the village of Panchevo>
5.80 km – leave the asphalt road and take the forest road to the left.
5.90 km – follow the gravel road merging from the right.
6.10 km – small pond to the right.
6.60 km – stay on the main road.
7.00 km – sharp right turn crossing over a small creek.
7.60 km – reach the village of Byalka. There is a water fountain.
7.90 km – leave the village on the main road.
8.65 km – Zvezden village.
9.00 km – beginning of an asphalt road.
9.80 km – small pond on the left side of the road.
11.3 km – reach the village of Gaskovo. Continue on the main road.
12.2 km – leave the main road and turn left on the road to Oreshnitsa village.
13.1 km -  small pond on the left side of the road.
14.5 km – reach the village of Oreshnitsa. Continue on the main road trough the village.
15.1 km – keep right / bypass the mosque.
15.3 km – reach the entrance of the school. Ride to the left along the fence.
15.7 km – turnout. Take the main road to the right.
17.1 km – reach an asphalt road. Turn right towards Bolyartsi village.
18.3 km – reach Bolyartsi village.
18.9 km – reach the junction to the eco trail and continue down on the asphalt.
19.4 km – ride pass the pub and turn left immediatley after the square.
19.5 km – turnout. Keep straight.
19.6 km – turnout. Take the eroded road to the right and pass by the cemetery.
20.0 km – turnout. Ride on the road down to the meadows.
20.7 km – turnout. Keep left.
21.7 km – turnout. Keep left and descend to the asphalt road.
22.7 km – reach the main ashpalt road Kirzhali – Perperikon. Turn left.
23.0 km – the road to the left lead to the megalith sanctuary Perperikon. End of the stage.

Stage 12. Perperikon – Madzharovo – 57.4 km.

0.00 km – the beginning of the stage is at the junction on the main road. Ride in souther direction towards Murgovo.
0.60 km – reach the village of Murgovo.
0.85 km – turnout. Turn left towards Chiflik village.
3.40 km – reach Chiflik village.
3.60 km – reach the main road Kirdzhali – Haskovo. Turn left.
5.00 km – reach the village of Madrets.
5.90 km – at the end of the village turn right towards Miladinovo and Perperek village.
7.60 km – reach Perperek village.
8.90 km – at the end of the village turn right towards Kaloyantsi village.
10.1 km – reach the village of Kaloyantsi.
11.2 km – on two consecutive turnouts take right and keep straight until you get to the end of the village.
12.0 km – leave the village on a dirt road leading towards Dolishte village.
13.3 km – turnout. The two way merge after one hundred meters.
13.6 km – a few roads merge here. Continue straight and to the right.
14.0 km – turn to the left and leave the main road.
14.3 km – turnout. Turn right.
14.6 km – a road merges from the left side. Continue straight ahead.
14.7 km – turnout. Turn left.
14.8 km – turnout. Turn right / upwards.
15.3 km – cross over the creek and start to ride uphill.
15.8 km – reach vast meadows in the beginning of Dolishte village.
16.2 km – reach Dolishte village.
16.3 km – continue straight ahead.
17.4 km - water fountain on the right side of the road.
17.7 km – reach the village of Konevo.
17.9 km – T-junction. Turn right. There is a small shop on the junction.
18.1 km – turn left on the diversion.
20.3 km – Yasna Polyana village.
20.6 km – leave the asphalt road at the end of the Yasna Polyana and tur right towards the fields.
22.5 km – cross over the creek.
23.0 km – turnout. Turn right.
23.8  km – reach the village of Svetoslav.
24.2 km – at the center of Svetoslav village turn right towards the electricity transformer.
24.6 km – turn left at the braided fence.
25.9 km – cross over a small creek and ride trough the meadow towards the continuation of the trail between the trees.
26.0 km – the beginning of the path.
26.1 km – follow the upper path>
26.8 km – pass by the exit to the right and take the path to the left.
27.1 km – the route continue to the left. The trail to the right leads down to a nice bight on the lake.
27.7 km – pass by a dry fountain to the left.
28.0 km – continue on the trail to the right / down towards the lake.
28.3 km – reach the dam of “Studen Kladenets” lake. Turn left and follow the asphalt road towards the village of Rabovo.
31.2 km – reach the village of Rabovo. Food shop is available here.
33.3 km – reach the village of Golobradovo. Continue on the asphalt road.
35.1 km – reach the village of Pchelari. Continue on the asphalt road.
36.0 km – leave the asphalt road and turn right trough the fields.
36.5 km – reach the asphalt road and turn right.
39.8 km – on the left side of the road there is a Thracian stone sanctuary named “Kumkaya”.
40.5 km – on the left side of the road there is a massive rock named “Kovankaya”. Notice the stone cuttings.
40.9 km – turnout. Turn right and ride on the bridge of Arda river.
41.2 km – turn left after the bridge.
42.7 km – reach the village of Kotlari. Continue straight.
45.5 km – reach the village of Stranjevo. Food shop is available here.
48.5 km – reach the village of Bryagovets. At the end of the village turn left.
48.8 km – turn right and go over the bridge. This is the beginning the Madzharovo breach.
52.1 km – narrow asphalt road beggins.
55.5 km – reach the center of Madzharovo where a few food and coffee shops are available. Continue towards the “Vulture center”.
57.4 km – reach the “Vulture center” located to the right of the road. End of the stage.
 hiking.