The first 9.4 km, after leaving Kolarovo, are cycled on asphalt to the turn-off for Kastra Rubra. The road to Kastra Rubra and back is a dirt road, but you will also see remains of the Roman road Via Diagonalis (also known as Via Militaris). Kastra Rubra played an important role as a resting place for the horses of caravans travelling along the road. It is located at an elevation of 206 m. After the fortress, return approximately 2 km along the asphalt road and turn left onto a dirt road heading southwest towards the village of Dositeево. You travel along a sandy dirt road through a semi-open landscape – a mosaic of meadows, shrubs and trees.
At the 16th kilometre is the highest point of the route – 284 m. After this, the route begins a gradual descent towards the Salarska River. The lowest point is at the village of Dositeево – 78 m. The village has an interesting church, St John of Rila, and an active community centre. From Dositeево, head north towards Kolarovo and, after a gradual climb of 3 km, you will reach the turn-off for the Semercheto rock sanctuary and Dositeево Reservoir. You need to leave the route to visit them and then return.
After another 7 km of gradual uphill cycling, you will return to the village of Kolarovo.
Accents
Starting and finishing point – the village of Kolarovo, but it can also be done with the village of Dositeevo as both the starting and finishing point. Directio
ns – Bring your own water. During the hike, you can get water in the village of Dositeevo
Traffic – part of the route passes along quiet local asphalt roads with very little car traffic.
Generally, for all routes in Southeastern Bulgaria, the rule applies that if there is an electric fence across the trail, there is also a gate left for passage. Look for it and do not forget to close it behind you. Animals in this area are often raised freely outdoors and the electric fence keeps them within the designated grazing area.
