Pilis Bike Kis Rigó route (Skanzen, Szentendre P+B)

Itinerary:

• From the Skanzen to Pap-rét, you must follow the green cycling signs all the way.
• From Pap-rét, turn onto the blue cycling signs.
• From Kis Rigó Restaurant, ride back to Pap-rét along the blue signs.
• From there, return to the Skanzen on the green cycling signs.

Description:

Skanzen - Pap-rét

• Terrain: asphalt

A few hundred meters after setting off, a barrier marks the start of forestry roads closed to public traffic, partly thanks to the more intense military activities of the previous century. After bypassing the barrier, it is worth shifting to a lower gear and pedaling hard, as the steepest section of the route begins immediately. After passing the two turnaround points, the terrain gradually becomes gentler. The intimate, quiet road winding through the forest is bordered by small forest clearings and meadows, then from the left increasingly beautiful views open up. The numerous branches show that this is an area active in forestry and hunting. It has been regarded as such for several decades — reminded by the rain shelter called the Horthy garage, visible soon on the right.

After the turnaround, the ascent flattens as we roll at the foot of the steep slope of the Nagy-Berseg Mountain towering above on the right. On the left, the Sztaravoda brook winds spectacularly below, roaring loudly in spring, but it may dry out completely during the long summer days. After a straight section, a guardrail marks that we soon reach Pap-rét. Only two or three bends remain before another barrier appears, alongside the junction of forestry roads and the forester's lodge.

Pap-rét - Hegytető

• Terrain: asphalt

After leaving Pap-rét, we pedal uphill for a few more minutes. The increasingly opening landscape offers wonderful views to the left over the Sztaravoda brook valley spreading out before us, then turning right we reach the highest point of this section. After a clearing hiding on the left, you can comfortably put the chain on the big ring and enjoy the descent—but only with restraint! The asphalt, which looks generally good, has some sneaky small potholes that can easily throw your handlebars off at high speed. Moreover, it is a busy area both for pedestrians and cyclists, so always keep speed and bike control on the narrow road! After a few minutes of downhill, the main road appears through the trees. Bypassing the barrier, turn right off the asphalt, as from here our route continues on a forest dirt road.

Hegytető - Kis Rigó

• Terrain: rocky path, dirt road, asphalt

Turning off the paved road, we first ride along a pleasant and wide dirt road, which gradually narrows. At one point, the ground becomes rocky and even quite unpleasant. On this 100-200 meter stretch, you must hold firmly onto the handlebars. If your bike is less suitable for terrain or your skill modest, it is advisable to push the bike through this short section. After crossing a small ditch, you arrive in one of the quiet streets of Pilisszentlászló, leading to the village center. Here keep left following the noise of the main road! After a few bends, turn right onto it, then after about 300 meters, carefully watch for the sign of the Kis Rigó Restaurant and, after signaling and ensuring safety, turn left into the forest direction.

Kis Rigó - Hegytető

• Terrain: asphalt, rocky path, dirt road

After catching your breath, you can start the second half of the ride: turning back towards the main road. At the junction, turn right, then after a few pedal strokes, signal your intention to turn left while monitoring the traffic behind. First, carefully move to the side of the broken line, then after another look back, turn left towards the village! Follow the winding path toward Pilisszentlászló’s center, then after passing the Mayor’s Office and the grocery store, keep right towards Kossuth Lajos street! Pictograms and signs also indicate the way to Pap-rét. Along a quiet little street beside the Apátkúti brook, you leave civilization behind and soon find yourself at the edge of the forest.

As you enter the terrain, be alert immediately: you need to roll over a small ditch before the technically most challenging section of the route begins. The narrow path is scattered with large stones which will really challenge both bike and rider. It’s exciting to ride through this section, but if it feels too much, pushing a bit is acceptable. Fortunately, this rough path only lasts a few hundred meters, then suddenly turns into a pleasant forest dirt road. After a few minutes, you find yourself behind the Hegytető parking, where you switch back to the asphalt at the barrier’s base and turn left to start the climb.

Hegytető - Pap-rét

• Terrain: asphalt

An even climb of 3 kilometers awaits to Pap-rét. The nearly 100-meter elevation difference is comfortably activating but definitely not an impossible challenge. The asphalt strip winding through the trees is reassuringly framed by forest on both sides, making cycling here a truly relaxing experience. The K mark of the National Blue Trail joining from the left and the clearing spreading to the right already foreshadow the end of the climb. Shortly after turning onto the descent, enjoy the view opening on the right. The hills above the Sztaravoda brook wave impressively before our eyes. The volcanic peaks of the eastern part of the Visegrád Mountains rise between 500 and 600 meters, creating a spectacular terrain model regardless of season. After passing the highest point of the ride, only a few minutes of rolling remain before reaching Pap-rét.

Pap-rét - Skanzen

• Terrain: asphalt

This junction is the meeting point of the asphalted forestry roads crossing the area, nestled between Visegrád, Szentendre and Pilisszentlászló. Opposite the forester’s lodge, a built rest area with benches and a table awaits hikers. After resting and refreshing, set off southwest to start descending. Following the green cycling signs, we roll slowly along the Sztaravoda brook. Be cautious, as after forestry work, the road surface is often gravelly, covered with wood shavings, or muddy where water or machinery deposits soil from connecting bulldozer roads.

Therefore, and because of other cyclists and hikers, descend the bike carefully! That’s the main thing to watch, navigation is less of a concern, as the asphalt path clearly shows the way. Finally, a combination of a sharp right and left bend indicates that Skanzen is near. After bypassing the barrier, only a few hundred meters remain until we reach the starting point of the ride, the small parking lot on Forrás Street.