Short walks along the Oparenské údolí near Lovosice: 2 km to 14 km

• The Oparenské údolí is a picturesque valley carved out by the Milešovský stream on the northern side of Lovoš mountain. The stream, which powered a surprsingly large number of ancient mills (many of which survive as private residences) flows into the Labe at Malé Žernoseky, just a few kilometers to the north of Lovosice. A classic 16 km circular walk which starts in Lovosice, traverses Lovoš mountain and returns to town via the valley and the Labe cycle path is featured here. It is one of the nicest walks in the area.
• For those without the time to undertake the longer walk, shorter walks in and around Oparenské údolí are still worth considering. A good base to start these walks is Černodolský mill, a picturesque pension/restaurant located on the stream below the village of Oparno, which is connected by bus with Lovosice. A train service also operates at weekends in the summer months along line which follows the stream. For visitors to the restaurant there is a parking area opposite the mill.
• It is an easy 4 km walk along a good (stroller-friendly) path from the mill down to Malé Žernoseky, following the stream. The path finishes in some attractive vineyards. From there it is possible to catch a mainline train back to Lovosice. The Milešovský stream powered a number of mills
• Another option for a short walk from Černodolský mill is to head upstream to the restored 17th century Oparenský mlýn. From there a 5 km circuit is available, also on a good path, through the villages of Chotiměř and Velemín.
• Finally, it is worth taking the short, but steep path up to ruins of Oparno castle built on a spur overlooking Černodolský mill. The castle dates from the 14th century and was abandoned in the 16th century. Only the outer shell of the fortification remains today – there is, however, a good view and it is a picturesque picnic spot. Near the castle and along the valley generally are the sites of prehistoric quarries, which were used to extract quartzite stone – used in particular by the Celts to fashion millstones. (Note that this side trip is not suitable for strollers).

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

• To visit Oparno castle ruins, follow the GREEN hiking trail from the Černodolský mill towards Oparno – the ruins are reached after 500m
• Continue on the GREEN trail to descend down to Oparenský mlýn after a further 500m
• From Oparenský mlýn return back to Černodolský mill along the BLUE trail or contune further up the valley for the Chotiměř and Velemín circuit, which follows the BLUE trail upstream and circles back via the GREEN trail
• For the walk down to Malé Žernoseky, follow the GREEN trail downstream as far as the Malé Žernoseky junction. From there it is a further 1 km on the YELLOW trail to reach the Labe river crossing