The route starts at 9:30 a.m. directly from the village of Kolarovo. It follows the contours of the Sakar Mountains – gradually descending for about one to two kilometres and then gradually climbing again, continuing in this way all the way to the fortress. It heads south-southeast. At 3.3 km from the starting point, you will cross the Selska River and, another 400 metres further on, you will see the turn-off to the first micro-dam on the left. Next comes 1 km of vineyards on the left, after which you will cross the second branch of the Selska River and immediately afterwards, on the right, is the turn-off to the second micro-dam. Then follow 1.6 km of open areas and a crossing of the Salarska River. After another 1.8 km of open areas and vineyards, you will cross the Bakardere River.
At 9.4 km from the starting point, you need to leave the asphalt road and take the dirt road on the right. After 1.2 km, it will take you to the remains of the Kastra Rubra fortress. The road is clearly defined and is not marked, but there is nowhere to get lost.
Only the foundations of the fortress walls are well preserved. If you look carefully, you can identify the grooves in which wooden posts for gates and other structures were placed. The dry-stone construction is clearly visible, and pieces of pottery are scattered around.
On sunny and warm days, move carefully around the stones – you may spot an Aesculapian ratsnake or a green lizard basking in the sun.
The micro-dams and small bodies of water along the route are also home to numerous reptiles, amphibians and waterbirds.
After exploring the fortress, it is time to return along the same route, but this time with views towards the north-northwest.
Accents
80% asphalt road and 20% dirt road. Out and back along the same route.
Difficulty – pleasant terrain, prolonged walking, panoramic views – most of the time you walk in open areas with visibility in all directions. The route is suitable for winter, spring and autumn and is not recommended in summer.
You must bring a small backpack with food and enough water for the day, comfortable shoes and a hat; in winter, bring an extra change of clothes, and in spring and autumn – a rain jacket.
The route does not pass through populated areas. This is a hike through the vast, open Sakar hills, bringing you into contact with the Roman past of Sakar, associated with trading caravans and travelling merchants along the Roman road Via Diagonalis to Constantinople.
The asphalt road is part of the national road network. There is no hard shoulder or guardrail. Heavy goods vehicles pass by only rarely.
