Hiking and walking the Northern slopes of Phodopes mountains
Follow ancient Roman roads and see Roman bridge
Stunning views
Interaction with the wildlife, many birds and wildflowers
Visit of Zhrebichko – an architectural reserve with buildings from the National Revival period
Summary: We start our hike from the end of the town, moving on Roman roads, forest paths, dirt roads, exploring the wildlife. We visit Zhrebichko – a small, but well preserved village, with many houses from XIX c. We return to Bratsigovo.
Location : South Bulgaria, Rhodope mountains
Duration : Day hike
(click on the pictures below to view each activity)
Activities:
Accommodation: Local house/family hotel
Minimum age: 18
Level of fitness: Easy to moderate, with few hill ascents
Distance: Nearly 10.3 miles (16 km), walking on Roman roads, forest paths, dirt roads, from 436 m to 928 m
Shade: Most of the transition is through forests.
Water: Plenty of rivers in the area, but the only place you can find drinkable water is approximately an hour walking from the start of the hike.
Description of the itinerary: We begin our walking and hiking trip, heading southeast to reach the last houses of Bratsigovo and the water reservoir. Start to follow the old Roman road, once used by the Roman soldiers to pass through the Rhodope mountains. The road follows the river and you can avoid the summer heat, as the hike is under the forest’s umbrella. Don’t forget to see the Roman bridge, very well preserved and almost 2000 years old. Continue to follow the walking map (and the river) and you well reach an open area called Semenlika. The walking route continues through an open area, where numerous wildflowers can be seen. They give additional color to the spring here. We ascend with constant tempo. After an hour of walking we are next to a little swamp, with comfortable benches and table. Here’s the only drinkable water in the area before you reach Zhrebichko, so feel free to fill your bottles. Our hiking trail reaches a dirt road, as we continue the hike. You should turn LEFT and follow the road. We are passing near plots of land, used by the local farmers to grow vegetables and fruits (Zhrebichko is known for its strawberries). Now, we reach a small house, follow the road which goes along the fence. It’s almost impossible to get lost, you can see the village from some parts of the road. We constantly descend, and we reach one of the poins of the hike, Zhrebichko. There are many buildings, showing how the Rhodopes houses from the period of the National Revival look like. There is a store with a small selection of goods. The village is with less than 100 people, so if you enjoying the peace and silence – this is your place. You can do a short hike to the little chapel north from the village and enjoy some stunning views over the Plain of Upper Trace. DON’T GO on the only asphalt road, which connects Zhrebichko with the rest of the world, because it goes to the next village, Kozarsko, which is opposite to Bratsigovo. The thing you should remember – to go back to the road you came, but at certain point to go further down the main road, with last farm buildings to your right. You will see the old road to Bratsigovo, which follows the river. From there to the two water reservoirs – Burovo and Gatchevo blata – you won’t have any problems. The next thing you should remember – after you pass the second reservoir, you will see the road going on your right. Bratsigovo is on your left, just below the reservoir. Follow the numerous paths, as you will have a visual contact with the city and you will return from a pleasant hiking trip.
