Pilis Bike Trout tour (Hegytető, Pilisszentlászló P+B)

Itinerary:

• From Hegytető all the way to Telgárthy Meadow, we need to follow the blue cycling sign.
• From Telgárthy Meadow or even from Visegrád, we cycle back on the same blue cycling sign.

Description:

Hegytető - Pap Meadow

• Terrain: asphalt

Starting from the parking lot, a 3-kilometer ride with a steady climb awaits us to Pap Meadow. Overcoming the just under 100 meters elevation difference is pleasantly engaging but by no means an impossible challenge. The asphalt strip winding between the trees is soothingly framed by forest on both sides, making the ride here truly relaxing. The K sign of the National Blue Trail joining from the left and the meadow spreading out to the right already signal the end of the climb. Shortly after turning onto the descent, it’s worth enjoying the view opening on the right side. The hills rising above the Sztaravoda Stream roll impressively before our eyes. The volcanic peaks of the eastern part of the Visegrád Mountains, rising between 500 and 600 meters, shape the landscape, so regardless of the season, a spectacular terrain model unfolds in front of us. After passing the highest point of the route, just a few minutes of coasting brings us to the Pap Meadow.

Pap Meadow - Telgárthy Meadow

• Terrain: asphalt

Here we can take a short break, refresh ourselves, then leave the junction heading north. The easiest part of the route awaits us, as the asphalt strip descends all the way to the border of Visegrád. Following the hillside line, the pleasantly winding road will surely relieve even the most demanding cyclists. You just need to pay attention not to take the barely visible bends at too high speed because not only other cyclists may come from the opposite direction but forestry vehicles as well. In the second half of the descent, we first approach the Apátkúti Valley running below us to the left, then continue parallel to it for some time. Not far before Telgárthy Meadow, we can spot on the left below the area's most famous water source, the Kaán Károly Spring. Named after a famous forest engineer active in the early 20th century, the spring was developed back 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 and we find ourselves in a neat meadow. We stand at the northern end of the Apátkúti Valley, where a small forest rest area protected by surrounding hills and peaks has been created. The winding course of the rock-decorated Apátkúti Stream running along the western edge makes the area truly picturesque. At both ends of the meadow, there are trout ponds fed by its waters. It is worth mentioning the nearby Ördögmalom Waterfall and the restaurant of the same name, which can offer recreation and relaxation even for longer times. A few hundred meters after the valley’s exit, we already find the streets of Visegrád, so we can even cycle there if we feel like it.

Telgárthy Meadow - Pap Meadow

• Terrain: asphalt

If we decide to continue, we have to travel the route covered so far in the opposite direction. Leaving the clearing, we begin our long climb through the forest, as in the next approximately 7 kilometers we need to overcome more than 300 meters of elevation. After the barrier, cool air might hit us from the Kaán Károly Spring side, but the continuous roughly 5% climb will surely warm us up quickly. It’s worth enjoying the endless peace and the picturesque scenery while pedaling since we rarely cycle in such an ideal environment. Roads closed to public traffic, relatively good quality asphalt, beautiful forest, warming but not too steep climb: what more could a cyclist want? The switchbacks entering the hillside several times moderate the climb and provide an interesting panorama of the road ahead. After the third hairpin bend, the slope pleasantly eases, offering a chance for a short pause.

After the gentler stretch, only one kilometer awaits us to reach our next destination. A noticeable barrier and pond at the end of a longer straight section indicate that we are at Pap Meadow, where it’s worth refreshing, resting, and enjoying the charm of the place.

Pap Meadow - Hegytető

• Terrain: asphalt

Leaving Pap Meadow, we pedal uphill for a few more minutes. The increasingly opening landscape offers a beautiful view to the left over the Sztaravoda Stream valley spreading in front of us, then turning right we reach the highest point of the section. After the clearing hiding to the left, we can confidently shift to the big chainring and enjoy the coasting, but moderately! On the apparently good-quality asphalt, there are a few sneaky small potholes that can easily throw the handlebars out of your hands at high speed. Moreover, this is a busy area both on foot and by bicycle, so always keep the speed and bike under control on the narrow road! After a few minutes of descent, our starting point, the gravel parking lot, appears between the trees.