Pilis Bike Kisrigó route (Telgárthy-rét, Visegrád P+B)

Itinerary:

• From Telgárthy-rét through Pap-rét and Hegytető all the way to Kis Rigó Restaurant, we must follow the blue cycling route marker.
• On the way back, we cycle the same route.

Description:

Telgárthy-rét - Pap-rét

• Terrain: asphalt

Leaving the clearing, we start a long climb through the forest, as we have to overcome over 300 meters of elevation gain in the first approx. 7 kilometers of the route. After the barrier, cool air may strike us from the Kaán Károly spring, but the continuous climb of about 5% will surely warm us up quickly. It's worth enjoying the endless tranquility and the picturesque landscape while pedaling, as it's rare to cycle in such an ideal environment. Roads closed to public traffic, relatively good quality asphalt, beautiful forest, invigorating but not too steep ascent: what more could a cyclist want? The switchbacks entering the hillside several times ease the climb and provide an interesting panorama of the road ahead. After the third switchback, the ascent eases pleasantly, giving a chance to catch a breath.

After the gentler section, only one kilometer awaits us before reaching our next destination. At the end of a longer straight, a prominent barrier and pond indicate that we are at Pap-rét, where it's worth refreshing, resting, and enjoying the magic of the place.

Pap-rét - Hegytető

• Terrain: asphalt

Leaving Pap-rét, we pedal uphill for a few more minutes. The gradually opening landscape on the left offers a magnificent view of the Sztaravoda-patak valley spreading out before us; then turning right, we reach the highest point of this section. After the clearing hiding on the left, we can calmly shift to the big chainring and enjoy the downhill, but only moderately! On the generally good-quality asphalt, there are a few sneaky small depressions that can easily take the handlebar out of your hands at high speed. Moreover, this is a busy section for both pedestrians and cyclists, so always keep the speed and bike under control on the narrow road! After a few minutes of downhill, the main road appears among the trees. Bypass the barrier and turn right off the asphalt, as from here our route continues on a forest dirt road.

Hegytető - Kisrigó

• Terrain: rocky path, dirt road, asphalt

After turning off the main road, we first travel on a pleasant and wide dirt road that gradually narrows. At one point, the ground becomes rocky and even quite uncomfortable. On this 100-200 meter stretch, you must hold on tightly to the handlebars. With a bike less suited for terrain or less experience, it is better to walk through this short stretch. After crossing a small ditch, we arrive in a quiet street of Pilisszentlászló that leads to the village center. Keeping left here, follow the noise of the main road! After a few turns, turn right onto it, then after about 300 meters, watching for the Kis Rigó Restaurant sign, carefully turn left toward the forest following proper signals.

Kisrigó - Hegytető

• Terrain: asphalt, rocky path, dirt road

From the restaurant, start the return route toward the main road. Upon reaching the intersection, turn right, then after a few pedal strokes, signaling left turn intentions while monitoring traffic behind. First, carefully move alongside the dashed line and, after a second glance backward, turn left toward the village! Follow the winding road toward the center of Pilisszentlászló, then after passing the town hall and the ABC, keep right toward Kossuth Lajos Street! Pictograms and signs also indicate the way to Pap-rét. On the quiet little street along Apátkúti-patak, gradually leave civilization behind and soon find yourself at the edge of the forest.

Upon entering the terrain, be alert immediately because you have to cross a small ditch before the most technical section of the route. The narrow path is scattered with large stones that play tricks on both bike and rider. It's an exciting challenge to ride out this section, but if it feels excessive, a little walking is of course acceptable. Fortunately, this rough path only lasts a few hundred meters, then suddenly changes to a pleasant forest dirt road. After a few minutes, we are behind the Hegytető parking lot, where at the base of the barrier, we switch back to asphalt and start the climb by turning left.

Hegytető - Pap-rét

• Terrain: asphalt

A steady climb of 3 kilometers awaits us to Pap-rét. The narrow elevation gain of about 100 meters is pleasantly invigorating but by no means an impossible challenge. The winding asphalt path surrounded soothingly on both sides by forest makes cycling here a truly relaxing experience. The K marker of the National Blue Trail joining from the left and the clearing spreading out to the right already foreshadow the end of the ascent. Shortly after turning onto the descent, it's worth enjoying the view opening up on the right. The hills rising above Sztaravoda-patak wave visibly before our eyes. The volcanic peaks of the eastern part of the Visegrád Mountains rise between 500 and 600 meters, shaping the landscape so that regardless of the season, a spectacular terrain model unfolds before us. After leaving the highest point of the route, a few minutes' rolling and we reach Pap-rét.

Pap-rét - Telgárthy-rét

• Terrain: asphalt

Here we can take a short rest, refresh ourselves, then leave the junction northwards. The easiest part of the route awaits us, as the asphalt path will descend all the way to the outskirts of Visegrád. Following the hillside's contour, the pleasantly winding road will surely impress even the most demanding cyclists. Just be careful not to enter blind corners at too high a speed, as not only other cyclists may come from the opposite direction but also forestry vehicles. In the second half of the descent, we first approach the Apátkúti Valley running below to the left, then we continue parallel to it for some time. Shortly before Telgárthy-rét, we can spot the most famous water source in the area, the Kaán Károly spring, to the bottom left. Named after the famous forester active in the early 20th century, this spring was developed already in 1938. Its always cool and fresh water is drinkable only at your own risk.

A few hundred meters after the spring, the landscape opens up before us, and in a moment we are back at our starting point, at the northern end of Apátkúti Valley. At the end of our route, it's worth looking around here more thoroughly because a neat small forest resting place has been created, protected by the surrounding hills and ridges. The winding course of the stone-decorated Apátkúti-patak flowing at the western edge of the area makes this region truly picturesque. At both ends of the meadow, we can find trout ponds fed from its water. It's important to mention the nearby Ördögmalom waterfall and the similarly named restaurant, which provide opportunities for longer relaxation and rest. A few hundred meters after the valley exit, we find the streets of Visegrád, so we can even cycle there if we wish.