The Low Beskid
On the trail of the Orthodox churches and Tserkvas in the Low Beskids Mountains
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About this route
The first half of this route passes through Magura National Park. The first section of the route is through forested areas. As a result, the tour's loop takes you through lush greenery. The second half takes you through varied open terrain. The Orthodox churches and the sanctuary are the route's main attractions. You can explore the Low Beskids in a reverie during this trip.
Practical advices
When preparing for a route, be sure to check the weather forecast. This will allow you to take appropriate clothing and limit your luggage as much as possible. However, it is well known that the weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared if it gets worse. It is good practice to pack a thin rain jacket that does not take up much space.
Before starting the route, carefully analyse it on a map. Consider whether your skills and equipment are adequate for the level of difficulty of the route.
Download the accompanying .gpx file so that you always have your navigation at hand. To make sure your device doesn't fail you, also bring a power bank, charger or spare batteries. If the weather changes, you may find it useful to have a waterproof case for your electronic equipment.
Be sure to take drinks and food with you on long journeys; you never know when you will get hungry. Remember that a shop or restaurant may be located a long way away. We recommend that you stock up on water, isotonic drinks, energy bars and snacks. This will make sure you don't lose the motivation to continue riding.
The absolute basis for safety is, of course, a helmet. Also, prepare yourself technically. Make sure you have adequate lighting on your bike. Pack a repair kit. Spare inner tubes, a pump, a multitool, all of these things can come in handy in the event of a breakdown, which of course you don't want!
Beskid Niski
Audiodeskrypcja tekstowa
Route details
Folusz - Świątkowa Wielka - Desznica - Skalnik - Brzezowa - Mrukowa - Pielgrzymka - FoluszStart
- 1Folusz0 kmFolkusz
The route begins in the village of Folusz. It is located just off regional road no. 933, from Gorlice to Nowy Żmigród. You set out from the village centre, following the green hiking trail east. You pass through an active oil mine area. The Magura National Park begins just beyond the last buildings. This is Poland's most forested national park. Remember to purchase a ticket! Details and tickets are available at: https://magurskipn.eparki.pl/
The blue bicycle trail begins here. You will be following it for about 12 kilometres.
- 2Świątkowa Wielka13.6 kmŚwiątkowa Wielka
You can reach the outskirts of Świątkowa by travelling down the hill on a gravel and asphalt road. The blue cycle trail comes to an end at the crossroads near the shed. Turn left here and proceed to Desznica by following the red signs.
- 3Desznica18.2 kmDesznica
In Desznica, there is the former Tserkva of St. Dmitri, which now serves as a Roman Catholic Church. The interior of the temple is colourful, with polychrome walls, and a World War I cemetery is nearby.
In the centre of the village, at the crossroads, head straight ahead to the scenic summit. Then take a slightly less steep road to Skalnik.
- 4Skalnik21.2 kmSkalnik
Arriving in Skalnik, you will notice the church tower from afar, among other buildings. This is the Sanctuary of Our Lady Queen of the Mountains, which houses a 15th-century image of Our Lady. Take the green trail to the left after passing the church. You will leave it after a while, in front of a playing field, where you will curve left again. Follow the valley of the western tributary of the Wisłok River in a westerly direction.
- 5Brzezowa23.8 kmBrzezowa
On the route, you will pass the village of Brzezowa.
- 6Mrukowa26.3 kmMrukowa
In Mrukowa, turn left following the signs of the blue cycle trail.
- 7Pielgrzymka29.3 kmPielgrzymka
This is another village on the route where it is worth noting the historic church. The building probably dates back to the end of the 18th century. At present, Orthodox believers use it.
When you reach the asphalt road, turn left. After 300 m, at a bend, take the paved dirt road and head west. At the second junction, take the main road north. Cross the Kłopotnica River at a ford and turn left at the next junction. Going straight ahead all the way, you will reach Folusz. Turn left on the asphalt road. This will take you back to the village centre.
- 8Folusz34.7 kmFolusz
The Low Beskid trail of Orthodox churches and Tserkvas ends at the starting point.