*A walk around the remarkable Úhošť hill (593m) and the Kadaň reservoir: 15 km*

A walk around the remarkable Úhošť hill (593m) and the Kadaň reservoir: 15 km

This walk is essentially an extension of a shorter walk exploring the attractive town of Kadaň on the river Ohře in northwest Bohemia. For details of that walk, and an outline of the attractions in and around Kadaň, see this page. The extension heads away from the main town, crossing the Ohře near the 15th century Franciscan monastery via the dam used to create the Kadaň reservoir. The route then ascends the northern slopes of Úhošť hill.
Úhošť is part of the extensive Doupov range of mountains, which is particularly known for its sources of mineral water. These mountains were formed from volcanic activity around 30 million years ago. Many have broad plateau areas with steep-sided basalt walls and Úhošť is one of the best examples of this unique geology.
Úhošť hill top has clearly been settled since prehistoric times, but there remains uncertainty as to the extent and nature of the settlements. Artefacts from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages have been unearthed at this strategic site, and there some evidence of Celtic occupation, possibly in an oppidum – certainly the creators of the (modern) statue at the summit believed the Celts were present. It is a very atmospheric plateau with super views. A nature trail with information boards leads around three sides of the protected nature area before descending the southeast flank.
The return journey to Kadaň follows the attractive valley created by the Donínský stream before reaching the shores of the reservoir for a pleasant walk back to the town along the cycle trail. The final section of the route follows the embankment path, which has been refurbished with a variety of children and family activities.
There are several refreshment options along the route, including a café in the monastery complex, a well regarded restaurant in the hotel-spa along the embankment and a number of good cafés in the town center, including the kavárna in the pension U Johanky, situated next to the western gate in the Gothic tower (map point 4), which serves excellent homemade cakes.
The total route, if starting from the bus station, is just over 15 km long, with 330m of height to ascend-descend. The paths are a mix of asphalt roads, and mountain paths, with the ascent on the northern slope of Úhošť quite steep. easy although there are step sections on the climb up Svatý vrch. Note: as several of the paths on this route around town do not have trail markers it is best followed using the mapy.cz phone application.

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 the main bus station (which has direct buses from Prague, and is also next to the regional train station) cross the main road and take one of the pedestrian only side streets that follow the old town walls to reach the main square in 800m (there are no trail markers for this section of the path). If driving there are various parking areas around town, including on the main square (free at weekends)
After exploring the main square, leave the square on the central street passing the white Gothic town hall tower on the left and passing through Mikulovická Gate
Continue heading westwards for 500m to reach the Smetana Gardens park area. Walk through the park, exiting at the western corner to reach the monastery complex
Walk through or around the monastery area, descending towards the river and passing the summer outdoor theatre
On the reaching the river embankment, cross the river using the dam, now following the RED trail
Following the RED trail along the road for 1.5 km to reach the village of Pokutice
At the village, continue on the RED trail which crosses the meadows, slowly ascending the hill to reach the plateau
Countinue on the RED trail following the edge of the plateau to reach the summit point (Celtic statue)
Continue on the RED trail to descend the southern flank of the hill, circling back below the western flank to reach the Zásada trail junction after 3.7 km
Continue along the RED trail which follows the road for 100m and at the bus stop turn off the RED trail to follow the road through the village of Zásada u Kadaně
After 700m reach the edge of the reservoir and there turn right onto the cycle trail
Continue on the cycle trail for 1.7 km to return back to the dam
Cross the dam again and follow the embankment path along the river until reaching the castle
If wanting to continue the exploration of the town, ascend the steps to the left of the castle and then follow the pedestrian street beside the old town walls, finally exiting the town through the Žatec Gate
Descend on the side streets to reach the roundabout on the main road (the trail signpost Kadaň – U Mlýna is here)
At the roundabout, turn left and follow the main road northwards for 700m to return back to the bus station