Bieszczady
Bieszczady’s crossroads - from Wołkowyja to Baligród
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About this route
The loop from Wołkowyja is a perfect route for a short cycling trip. Along the way, you will visit towns and villages, which are popular for holiday. It is worth stopping in Baligród for a longer time to see a brick Orthodox Church, a Jewish cemetery, and a memorial tank. You will almost cycle through forgotten Bieszczady villages, such as Radziejowa and Tyskowa. The journey will be along asphalt and gravel roads.
Practical advices
A route with a moderate level of difficulty will allow you to test your fitness. Remember that the terrain has a huge impact on how many kilometres you can cover. Trails on flat roads are less strenuous than those on hills or mountain roads.
Planning a group trip? Match the route to the fitness of the weakest participant.
A helmet and light clothing made of breathable materials will be essential for safety and comfort on the route. Other than that, only put on the essentials. Heavy luggage will make your ride more difficult. Also, think about what you will carry the necessary items in. We suggest a backpack or panniers for your bike.
Be prepared for possible breakdowns on the route. It is a good idea to carry the most important tools for a quick fix, such as inner tubes or patches, a pump or a multi-tool. Make sure you have enough water and food, as well as navigation equipment.
Is it looking like a warm and sunny day? Remember sunscreen and sunglasses. If you are planning sightseeing or other activities along the route, a bike lock will also be very useful. Before you leave, carefully examine your route for the trip. Consider whether your skills and equipment are adequate for the level of difficulty of the route.
Bieszczady
Audiodeskrypcja tekstowa
Route details
Wołkowyja - Górzanka - Pass over Markowska - Baligród - Stężnica - Pass over Stężnica (near Lipowiec) - Górzanka - WołkowyjaStart
- 1Wołkowyja0 kmWołkowyja
This is where your route begins. You can park your car on a small square by the crossroads with Bieszczady Bypass (regional road no. 894) or by the church in Wołkowyja. Head along the asphalt road in the direction of Górzanka.
- 2Górzanka3.3 kmGórzanka
Here you can visit a former Orthodox Church from 1718. Inside the church, you will find a real treasure - the only bas-relief iconostasis in the Carpathian Mountains from 1752, in which most of its icons are preserved. Close to the temple, there is also a screen bell tower with three arcades. The first ascent to the pass over Markowska awaits you in Górzanka. Turn right after passing the church and follow the signpost for „Bereżnica 4”. Then follow the blue bike trail to the pass.
- 3Pass over Markowska6.6 kmPass over Markowska
The mass is located at an altitude of 640 m.a.s.l. It is a good vantage point. From here you will be able to see the panorama reaching Połonina Wetlińska and Caryńska, to the right you will also see Podgórze Leskie. While defending from the pass, we recommend going to Baligród village. To get there, turn left at the pass and continue along the red bike trail.
- 4Baligród13.8 kmBaligród
In Baligród, you can visit, among others, a brick Greek Orthodox Church. The temple was founded in 1835 by Wincenty Karsznicki. In the past, there was an older, timber-framed building in its place. However, the church was destroyed and robbed, and the brick church was only rebuilt in the 21st century. Baligród is also home to a T-34 tank commemorating the battles with Ukrainian partisans and an old Jewish cemetery. Baligród is also a good place to stop off at a restaurant or a café.
To get to the centre of Baligród, turn right when the roads diverge. The recommended attractions are located a short distance away, on regional no. 893. Follow the same road back to the intersection and follow the black bike trail toward Stężnica.
- 5Stężnica15 kmStężnica
On your way, you will pass the cascades on the Stężnica stream. Although cascades are alongside the route you are riding, it is with knowing that their appearance depends on the current water level. Nevertheless, the whole village is very charming. You will get to see wonderful landscapes created by nature. Here begins the second ascent of approximately 900 m to the pass.
- 6Pass over Stężnica18.9 kmPass over Stężnica
The height of the pass over Stężnica is 600 m.a.s.l. From here you have a wide view of Durna, Łopiennik and Korbania. Follow the black bike trail to Górzanka.
- 7Górzanka24.7 kmGórzanka
If you have not visited Górzanka before, this is a perfect time to see the former Tserkva of the Ascension of the Lord.
- 8Wołkowyja28 kmWołkowyja
Your journey through Bieszczady’s crossroads will end at the starting point. There are several regional restaurants in Wołkowyja, where you can relax and have a delicious local meal. Wołkowyja is also a good holiday place if you want to stay in Bieszczady for a few days.
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