Circular tours from Všenory into the Hřebeny hills – 11 km to 15 km

Hřebeny is a surprisingly rocky ridge located to the south west of Prague, stretching from Zbraslav towards Dobřís, with the summit of Písek (691m) being the highest point. Geologically, the ridge is part of the Brdy highlands, made up of very old (400 to 600 million years old) sedimentary rock.
Hřebeny has a slightly different character to the rest of the Brdy area, being somewhat lower in elevation. The Hřebeny forests are a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees that provide a colourful backdrop to a number of rocky outcrops, including Černolické skály and Hvíždinec. Both of these exceptional viewpoints are included in the 15km tour described below.
The Černolické rocks are one of the more famous climbing areas in the Prague vicinity, and also one of the oldest. Climbing guides date from at least 1905. The rock is hardened Ordovician quartz (approximately 450 million years old) with some marine fossil presence. it is not necessary to be an expert rock climber to reach the fine viewpoint at the top of the rocks. There is an easy approach path from the western side of the rocks.
Two excellent circular routes can be created starting in the town of Všenory, which traverse the Černolické rock area and the surrounding Hřebeny forests and meadows. For the longer route (15 km) a start from Dobřichovice station is also possible. Both Všenory and Dobřichovice are on the fast train line from Prague main station. For those driving to the walk, Všenory has a small parking area close to the neo-Renaissance chateau.
The shorter route (11 km) misses out the Hvíždinec viewpoint and a section walking passing some of the larger summer villas created by wealthy Prague residents in the 19th century. Otherwise, both routes follow mostly good tracks in very attractive forest and hill terrain. There are some steeper sections with a total of over 400m of height to climb/descend on both routes.
There are no refreshment options directly on the routes, so take sufficient supplies and water for the 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

Start the walk at the trail signpost next to Všenory railway station (direct trains from Prague main station). If driving to Všenory and parking near the chateau, take the YELLOW trail in the direction of the river to reach the railway station in 600m
From the railway station take the BLUE trail in the direction of Pod Kamenem. The trail climbs up to the Hřebeny ridge firstlz through the town and then the attractive mixed forest area, reaching the Pod Kamenem trail junction after 2.4 km
At Pod Kamenem turn right onto the RED trail in the direction of Černolické skály. After a section in the forest, the trail descends to the Všenorský stream and re-ascends quite steeply, crosses some fields with good views of the forest and reaches the village of Černolické skály after 3.3 km
From the village, continue on the RED trail passing the rock area on the right side, climbing up to the terrace. As the path levels off (point 4 on the map) there is a 100m diversion to the right to visit the viewpoint at the top of the rock area – this is well worth the effort
After exploring the top of the rock area – there will likely be climbers scaling the routes from the bottom – return back to the RED trail and continue into the forest to reach the trail junction of Červená hlína after 1.6 km
At Červená hlína, the choice should be made whether to complete the full 15 km walk , or the shorter 11 km version. If taking the shorter option, turn right onto the YELLOW trail which descends the ridge and leads back to the Všenory train station after 3.5 km, passing the 19th century neo-Renaissance chateau on the way.
If taking the longer route, at Červená hlína continue on the RED trail for a further 1.7 km to reach the junction of U Šraňku. Here, turn right onto the BLUE trail in the direction of Hvíždinec
After 750m, reach the trail junction of Hvíždinec, where there is a diversion of 170m to get to the viewpoint – again this is worth taking for the super views back towards the Berounka river valley
Return back to the main BLUE trail after visiting the viewpoint and descend from the ridge. After 2.7 km, just after entering the residential area, turn right onto the street Krajníkova – this lined with large 19th century villas
Continue along Krajníkova for 1km. Leave Krajníkova on the footpath to the right which runs alongside the edge of the forest area
After 300m this footpath meets the YELLOW hiking trail. Turn left onto the YELLOW trail and follow this downhill for 500m to reach the 19th century neo-Renaissance Všenory chateau and from there it is a further 700m back to the railway station