Bieszczady
Through “Sine Wiry”
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About this route
This route is located in the centre of the Bieszczady mountains. It begins and ends in Bukowiec. Although the route can be considered easy, as it leads along asphalt and gravel roads, the challenging part of the routes is the uphill climbs (including two quite demanding). Do keep in mind that it is worth the effort you put into the ride. The route leads into beautiful, arbours and secluded places, where you will come across traces of former villages and gain knowledge about the history of their inhabitants. It is also a wonderful opportunity to see the wildlife of the Wetlinka valley.
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
Bukowiec (Otaczarnia) - Studenne - Łuh - Zawój - Łopienka - Polanki - Terka - Bukowiec (Otaczarnia)Start
- 1Bukowiec (Otoczarnia)0 kmBukowiec (Otoczarnia)
Your route starts in Bukowiec. Start from the forest car park by the Bieszczady bypass on the eastern edge of Bukowiec (Otaczarnia) and follow the gravel road south, initially following the signs of the nature trail. When you reach a road intersection, turn right.
- 2Studenne5.8 kmStudenne
You can explore the area of the non-existent village of Studenne, which was destroyed after World War II. In the past, it was possible to find a cemetery and an Orthodox Church, as well as a Jewish inn. Next ride toward the former village of Łuh.
- 3Łuh12.7 kmŁuh
Nowadays the Wetlinka valley is abandoned. It used to be inhabited by many residents of villages Łuh, Zawój and Jaworzec. Turn right when two roads diverge.
- 4Zawój15.5 kmZawój
This is home to the forest and landscape reserve “Sine Wiry”. It aims to protect the natural environment of the Wetlina River. Forest consisting of beech and fir stretches along the banks of the river. Along the reserve, many plant communities and species can be found. What differentiates the reserve is the rocky river threshold and steep banks.
It is the perfect place for you to relax and enjoy the beauty of Bieszczady’s nature. In the area of the reserve, you can find the remains of some of the villages that no longer exist. To commemorate the displaced inhabitants of these villages, a historical and natural trail “Bieszczady Odnalezione” was created along the Wetlinka valley.
Continue along the road until you reach the asphalt road, then turn right, and then subsequently turn left. To see an interesting Orthodox Church in Łopienka follow the gravel road.
- 5Łopienka22.4 kmŁopienka
In Łopienka you will find the Uniate tserkva of St. Martyrs of Paraskevia. It is said the church was erected in the first half of the 19th century. Inside the temple, there is a copy of the miraculous painting of Our Lady of Łopienka. The water from a nearby spring is considered healing. Next to the church, you can find a small burial chapel, a bell tower, and a cemetery. Also close to the church, there is an old linden tree growing with a hollow, which, according to many people, resembles an image of the Virgin Mary and the Child. Follow the gravel road back to an asphalt road and then head toward the village of Polanki.
- 6Polanki27 kmPolanki
Polanki is a village on the way back to Bukowiec. Passing through it, you will come across, among other things, the Kapliczka Szczęśliwych Powrotów, which translates to “the Chapel of Happy Returns”. There are several regional legends associated with the origins of the chapel. Head north towards Terka.
- 7Terka30 kmTerka
Terka is almost the end of your route. In Terka, you can find accommodation and try tasty, regional dishes. We recommend visiting the popular Gospoda Pod Monastyrem or Smażalnia Pstrąga Córka. For the last kilometre of the route, follow along the regional road no. 894.
- 8Bukowiec (Otoczarnia)33.3 kmBukowiec (Otoczarnia)
Your cycling route ends at the starting point.