*A circuit around the surprising varied Jesenicko nature park: 18 km*

A circuit around the surprising varied Jesenicko nature park: 18 km

The Rakovnická pahorkatina is an unspoilt hilly area to the west of Rakovník, with some interesting hiking terrain. One of the best walks in the area is the circuit around the surprisingly varied Jesenicko nature park, centred on the small town of Jesenice, which has bus and train connections with Rakovník.
The suggested route broadly follows an educational trail (with occasional information boards – in Czech). It leads firstly to the Petrohrad hills, site of some impressive granite crags (which are popular for ‘bouldering’), and then to the nearby ruins of 14th century Petrohrad castle. Situated next to the ruins (which were partly restored in the 19th century) is the All Saints chapel, which dates from 1652. The hill on which the castle and chapel were constructed offers excellent views towards the mountains on the border with Germany to the north.
From Petrohrad, the trail heads southwards across rolling countryside, passing a remarkable 900 year old oak tree and an unusual medieval cross scenically positioned in a field (see picture below). The route finally reaches another granite rock area – the Krtské skály. This protected nature area is found in an atmospheric evergreen forest and features massive boulders and hidden quarries. It is a site full of legends – including one relating to the so called Devil’s stone (indentations resembling hoof marks – apparently the devil lost a bet and stamped on the rock in anger…)
Finally, the circuit leads around a series of scenic ponds, the largest of which is next to Jesenice (velký rybník) and has a small beach area for those wanting a cool dip. The whole route is 18 km long, with 300m of height to ascend-descend. None of the paths are difficult or steep – a mix of footpaths and asphalt tracks. For refreshments, try the café La Mija, on the main street in Jesenice, serving good coffee and other snacks.

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 in the center of Jesenice town (if travelling by car, there are some parking spots on the main square)
Follow the YELLOW trail in the direction of Petrohrad, along the main street, but after 200m turn left along a side street – this is the educational trail route and saves a section along the road
After 1.2 km rejoin the YELLOW trail turning left towards the forest
After 1.7 km reach a niche (yellow) wayside chapel. Here leave the YELLOW trail and take the unmarked footpath straight ahread, which leads after 500m directly to the Petrohrad rocks
Join up with the GREEN trail at the rocks and head gently downhill for 700m to reach the Petrohrad pod zříceninou junction
At the junction join the RED trail and continue uphill for 500m to reach the All Saints chapel and Petrohrad castle ruin
From the chapel continue on the RED trail back down the hill and head in the direction of Nouze
Look out for the old oak tree on the right after 700m and the medieval cross in the field a further 800m down the trail
Continue on the RED trail through Stebno village to reach the Nouze trail junction
At Nouze, turn left onto the BLUE trail in the direction of Krty
Pass through Krty village to reach the Krtské skály nature area after 4 km (nte the small diversions to see some of the named rocks, including Čertův kámen (Devil’s rock)
Continue on the BLUE trail to the edge of the forest to reach the Krtské skály junction and there join the GREEN trail heading in the direction of Jesenice
Pass three ponds on the way back to Jesenice center, which reached after 4.7 km