*Along the Broumovské stěny from Hvězda to Machov – a 17 km tour*
- This brilliant one-way route runs along the most spectacular part of the Broumovsky sandstone ‘Walls’. It was recommended by a reader of the site. It conveniently combines two of the circular routes described elsewhere in the guide which visit the main rock areas along the Walls (the 13 km Hlavňov circuit and the 13km Machov circuit). More detailed descriptions of the various viewpoints and landmarks along the Walls, can be found in the wrote up of those circular walks.
- By using the bus to reach the Hvězda parking area above the village of Hlavňov, just below the rock walls, it is possible to avoid part of the climbing and enjoy a route that visits the best of the extraordinary viewpoints and rock formations.
- The route shown on the map is 17 km long with 570m of ascent and 740m of descent. The paths are relatively easy (at least for a sandstone rock area), but there are lots of short sections on steep rock steps, which can be tricky in wet weather. There are no refreshment spots directly on the main trail along the ridge (but there is an interesting mountain chalet next to the Hvězda chapel), so take enough supplies for the whole journey.
Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’ to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.
Directions (provided by Martina)
- Park in the village of Machov. Take a bus from Machov to Hlavňov/chata Hvězda (30 minute ride).
- Walk up to a baroque chapel Panna Marie Sněžná from the early 18th century. From there, follow the RED route in the direction Nad Kovářovou roklí. Do not miss a breath-taking view of the Rock Theather (Skalní divadlo) on the way.
- Continue on the RED to the viewpoint Vulture Nest (Supí hnízdo) and then on to the junction U Pánovy věže
- Continue on the RED hiking trail, passing through Nad Hájkovou roklí, Kamenné hřiby and Vyhlídka do zaječí rokle and there change to the GREEN trail in the direction of the Dobytčí stezka junction.
- From there, take the YELLOW and head towards Koruna. On the way to Koruna, make sure to take a short detour to a beautiful rock formation called the Rock Gate (Kamenná brána).
- When reaching the Koruna signpost, continue to Zelený hájek and there change to the GREEN trail to reach the U Pánova kříže junction. There it is worth taking the spectacular circular tour around Božanovský Špičák to reach the Pánův kříž junction
- From Pánův kříž there is a choice – continue on the green to U Zabitého or take a longer but more picturesque YELLOW route through a forest with many big stones and rock formations, sometimes covered in a lush green moss.
- The RED trail will bring you back to Machov.