Lost in Plovdiv

The weekend is the time for rest and walk and we from the only digital guide have prepared our next recommendation. It is a route suitable for everyone, light and pleasant. Yet at the same time, a so longed for escape from the atmosphere of the big city to the pure mountain air and calmness of nature.

Nevyastata Eco-trail (The Bride Eco-trail) is situated in an accessible place on the road between Smolyan and Pamporovo and leads to one of the symbols of the town - the Nevyastata rock. You will easily find it, as there is the entrance of the St. Panteleimon Monastery and the road to the Smolyan Fortress. There is a convenient car park where you can leave your car. It is a good idea to bring water because apart from a small caravan with a variety of souvenirs in which they don’t sell drinks, there is nowhere you can get some along the way.

The route is light. You can meet many families with young children on the road, so it wouldn’t be difficult for almost anyone. You only need comfortable shoes, favorite clothes, and a good mood. At the same time, however, there is a climbing wall and an alpine trolley at the top, so we suppose that even the more experienced mountaineers will be interested. The path itself is not particularly dangerous, only in some places you should be careful, especially along the roots of centuries-old trees. The feeling of walking in nature is extremely rewarding. The scent of pine, the fresh air, and the surrounding nature are relaxing. Everywhere along the trail there are signs representing the surrounding flora and fauna. Very useful for the curious and informative for those who want to learn more.

After a while, you reach a panoramic landing, where you can see the rock with its cross, and at the foot, you can see the district town. There is a wide gazebo at this place where you can relax and gather strength for a few more steps up to the landing. There is a place where you can set fire and it is appropriate to have a picnic. From here, with a little climbing up, you reach the trolley. There, the path is much steeper.

We know there are a few legends about the rock, but most often local people tell the one where a local girl was promised as a woman of a Turkish ruler on these lands. She wished to look at her birthplace for the last time from above and threw herself from there. Another says that Turkish soldiers cut a mother with a child who refused to betray runaway Bulgarians. In legends, a grain of truth is always interwoven with popular folklore and imagination, but they add to the charm and mystery that surrounds the area even more.

The way back is just as pleasant - use every breath to gather from the mountain air and open your eyes and senses wide to sink into the greenery of the forest.

The team of Lost in Plovdiv wishes you a pleasant walk and we will be happy if you share your favorite places for a getaway in the wonderful days to come!