Along the Rakovnický stream from Křivoklát to Pustověty: 8 km (one way) or 16 km (circular trip)

• The medieval royal castle of Křivoklát is a popular destination for day trips from Prague. First constructed by the Přemyslid rulers in the 12th century, it was a favorite hunting location for several Bohemian kings. The castle may be toured throughout the year (only at weekends in winter). It is definitely worth exploring for its rich medieval and Renaissance history, and varied architecture.
• For those wanting a walk in the area before or after visiting the castle, there are a couple of nice options. One possibility is to walk the 7 km terrace path above the Berounka river to Zbečno and then catch the train back to Křivoklát. This walk is described here (although in reverse).
• The second option is described on this page and involves a very nice (and mostly flat) path along the valley created by the Rakovnický stream. This is marked on maps as a cycle trail, but it is equally good for walkers. The trail reaches Pustověty village after 8 km, where there is a train station, with reasonably frequent trains back to Křivoklát. There is also a pleasant pub with a terrace area.
• If taken as a one-way route, the trail can be managed with a stroller, although there are some muddy sections in the forest. Most of the path is an asphalt cycle path beside the stream. Note that if desired the trail can be continued all the way to Rakovník train station (giving a 17 km walk).
• A further option is to make a circular tour with Pustověty at the halfway point, either taking the valley cycle path as the outbound or return leg. The route shown in the map below uses the valley cycle path for the return journey. The outbound route climbs into the low hills surrounding Křivoklát (there are nice views of the castle on the ascent) and then follows easy hiking trails in the hills to reach Pustověty. The route passes through the village of Velká Buková, where there is an interesting new viewing tower (see the picture below).
• The total circular route is just under 16 km long, with 290m of height to ascend-descend. None of the paths are difficult, although the descent down to Pustověty from the hills is quite steep. For refreshments, in addition to the pub in Pustověty (Hostinec Na Ostrově), there are a number of reasonable restaurants along the main street in Křivoklát.

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

• Starting at Křivoklát train station follow the YELLOW trail for 200m to reach the main street. If driving, there is small car parkat this point on the main street – which gets full quickly, or paid parking up at the castle
• If visiting the castle continue on the YELLOW trail up the hill for 300m to reach the main entrance and then return back down to the main street and turn left to continue along the main street
• After 150m reach the RED hiking trail and turn right onto the trail to head uphill between two buildings
• The trail winds uphill and after 3km reaches the viewing tower in Velká Buková
• Continue on the RED trail for a further 4.5 km to reach Pustověty train station
• Continue on the RED trail for 400m, crossing the stream, to reach the pub
• For the return journey, follow the yellow cycle path signs in the direction of Křivoklát. The trail leads directly back to the village centre and follows the stream closely