A short cycling route in the vicinity of Varna and in Golden Sands National Park, that targets mainly people seeking easier terrain. However, as part of the ride is on a pleasant trail, there is even a steeper and more technical section, so that people with more experience may also like this circle, if they have already tried other routes around and want to diversify.
The starting point of this route is at the parking lot and the drinking fountain below Aladzha Monastery. In this way, riding becomes more convenient for people who rest in the resorts north of Varna and want to add a little mountain biking for variety from the beach. Of course, you can also come by car from Varna to the parking lot under the Monastery, but if you prefer to make your own move, then try some of the long routes with a starting point in the city.
Unlike the routes, which are entirely in Golden Sands National Park, this one goes in a south-westerly direction and passes one or two villa zones. Some parts of the route are in the shade, but the main ascent is steep, and after that follows a riding on the plateau with no shadow, so it is good to avoid the hottest hours in summer. Otherwise, the trails and roads in the area are suitable for driving almost all year round. However, the country road on the plateau can be muddy and more difficult to pass after heavy rains.
The ride can be combined with a sightseeing of the monastery. For this purpose, however, you must either have someone to guard the bikes, or ask to tie them somewhere at the security booth.
Starting point: The fountain at the parking lot below Aladzha Monastery in Golden Sands National Park; https://goo.gl/maps/WuKeeFoaJdjY6ZJo7
Length: 7.8 km
Ascent: 180 m
Level of technical difficulty: low (R1, R2, T1, T2,)
Physical activity factor: low (PAF =3)
Duration: 1 hour
Water: 0.5 l
Food: not required
Terrain:
- asphalt road –1.3 km
- country roads –4.9 km
- paths - 1.6 km
Description:
From the fountain (point 01) we go down the asphalt road in the direction of Golden Sands. After 300 m (point 02) we deviate onto a country road to the right, which is marked with red tourist markings. Follow it only straight (we pass paths on the left and right in point 03 and point 04), until we reach Kovshak fountain (point 05, 0.9 km), which is a popular place for picnics among Varna residents and guests of the city. At the fountain we continue straight, following the wide path with red markings, skipping some more exits - in point 06 and point 07.
In point 08 (1.8 km) we 're going out to the clearing of an electrical power line. It is crossed by a country road, also marked in red , but we pass it and take to the left in the forest, as we descend a little steeper on a wide path towards villa zone “The oaks“. Reaching the houses (point 09), we cotinue to the right along a street, that is a broad and smooth country road. Following it we go out on the road from Vinitsa to Aladzha Monastery in point 10 (3.4 km).
We take the asphalt road upwards and to the right and after 200 m we reach the entrance of the cemetery park "North 2" (point 11), where a steep asphalt road goes left and upwards. We have to climb it, in some places we can push. The road takes us to the plateau near villa zone “The vines”.
At point 12 (4.3 km) there is a crossroads where we turn right on a country road, following the plateau. We follow only the main road, marked with blue and yellow tourist markings, and at most of the forks we keep to the right - for instance in point 13, point 14, point 15, point 16 and point 17. In point 18 the road on the left is better, then in point 19 we are on the right again.
In point 21 (6.9 km) the marking continues on a path to the right in the forest. The slope is downwards and in the first 50-100 m it is steep, with a rocky section and two sharp turns after it. The more insecure ones will have to push, but further down the path becomes wide and smooth, without any technical difficulties. Here we should miss some deviations, too (in point 22 and 23), and in point 24 (7.6 km) we go out on the asphalt road downwards and it will lead us to the starting point.
