The starting and finishing point of the route is the village of Oreshnik, where accommodation is available. You can also start and finish in Topolovgrad, where there are hotels and guest houses.
From Oreshnik, head southwest, where after the end of the village there is the cemetery drinking fountain, decorated with nature-themed paintings. There is also a chapel. The trail runs through open terrain and gradually climbs for about 2 km. At 2.3 km, at an elevation of 330 m, it enters a deciduous forest. This is followed by a steeper climb to 480 m above sea level, where Chernite Skali are located. They are a prominent rocky complex rising above the surrounding landscape, offering a panoramic view.
The place is amazingly beautiful, as are the rocks themselves, which resemble pinnacles driven into the ground by some giant. It is suitable for a picnic. There is no shelter or other facility for resting. Natural surroundings – forest, rocks and sky. In spring, you will hear countless birds singing, including nightingale, whinchat, ortolan bunting, subalpine warbler, European bee-eater and others. Among the birds of prey, look out for the imperial eagle, an emblematic species of the Sakar Mountains, as well as the Eurasian hobby and lesser spotted eagle.
From Chernite Skali, head west and reach a narrow asphalt road, where you turn right. Just before the asphalt road is also the highest point of this route – 509 metres. The asphalt road begins a gentle and pleasant 3 km descent towards Topolovgrad. At the third kilometre, you need to turn right and leave the asphalt road briefly. Descend a little further towards Topolovgrad and pass south of the town (3 km). You reach main road 559, along which after 1 km you will return to Oreshnik.
Accents
A one-day route suitable for high-clearance mountain bikes. Mixed surface – 40% on dirt roads and 60% on asphalt roads. The terrain is semi-open and partly shaded. The route is not suitable for June, July and August, but during the rest of the year it can be used almost year-round.
Bring your own water. During the route, you can get water in Topolovgrad, where there are shops. You can also have lunch in Topolovgrad.
The asphalt road is part of the national road network. There is no bicycle lane. Heavy goods vehicles rarely pass. On the asphalt road, wear a reflective vest.
