*A circuit around Vlhošť peak via Martinská stěna, starting in Dřevčice: 15 km*

• The northwest corner of the Kokořínsko Protected Landscape Area is probably less visited than the central areas, which are more accessible from Prague. However, there is some really spectacular sandstone rock terrain to discover is this part of the PLA and it is worth the effort to get there. In particular, there is more evidence of the influence of volcanic activity in the northern section of Kokořínsko, from the mineral infused multicoloured sandstone towers to the striking conical peaks of basalt intrusions. Of these peaks, Vlhošť at 614m is the most prominent.
• There is no marked trail to the summit of Vlhošť, but it is possible to divert to the summit from the marked trail that circles the peak (the unmarked footpath is manageable but is quite steep). There is no view from the forested top of Vlhošť, but there are plenty of other excellent views along the route outlined in the map below.
• A highlight of this circuit is the Martinská stena trail, which runs along the top of a sandstone wall. The wall is a specially protected nature reserve due to its unique landscape, which includes a strand of primeval pine trees.
• For a circuit including Vlhošť and Martinská stena, starting in the village of Dřevčice is convenient as it has reasonable (workday) bus connections with the larger towns of Česká Lípa and Dubá, as well as as a small parking area. There is a classic pub in the village, Hospůdka Dřevčice (map point 12), which serves good Czech food. Close to the village is a very nice fruit tree alley (map point 11) which won “Tree Alley of the Year” in 2017.
• The route showcases many of the classic features of Bohemian sandstone rock landscape, including towering pillars, canyons and carved passageways. There is even a ruined 14th century castle perched on one set of rocks, Chudý hrádek (map point 3). It is, however, quite a scramble up to the ruined castle, which was apparently built on the site of a Slavic fortress. This visit is definitely optional!
• Overall, the 15 km route is relatively challenging, with a couple streams to cross on logs or boulders and nearly 500m of height to ascend/descend. Some of this height difference can be avoided by skipping the full circuit around Vlhošť (as noted in the directions below). This also saves a couple of kilometers if pressed for time.

Note: click ‘Show on map’ above to go to a full screen version directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for online navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file

Directions

• Starting in Dřevčice village, join the GREEN trail heading towards Chudý hrádek junction, which is reached after 2 km (the optional climb up to the ruined castle is marked with green diversion markers)
• Continue on from Chudý hrádek on the GREEN trail for a further 400m unless joining up with the YELLOW trail. At this point (map point 4), turn left onto the YELLOW trail
• Stay on the YELLOW trail for 4 km through the villages of Sušice and Loubí until joining the RED trail below Vlhošť peak
• If wanting to do the full circuit of Vlhošť, continue on the YELLOW trail for 2.6 km to reach the Pod Vlhoštěm junction (if wanting to skip the circle around Vlhošť, turn left onto the RED trail to reach Pod Vlhoštěm in 700m)
• From Pod Vlhoštěm continue on the RED trail for 500m to reach Vlhošťský důl junction and there join the GREEN trail heading towards Dlouhý důl
• Remain on the GREEN trail for 2.4 km until reaching the U Martinské stěny junction. At this junction, take the RED trail (the Martinská stena trail, which runs along the wall for 700m
• On reaching the access road at the end of the wall trail, leave the RED trail, turning left up the gravel road (map point 10). After 200m join the YELLOW trail and turn sharply right
• Follow the YELLOW trail for 2.3 km back to Dřevčice village