Pilis Bike Trout tour (Skanzen, Szentendre P+B)

Itinerary:

• From the Skanzen to Pap-rét, follow the green cycling marker all the way.
• From Pap-rét to Telgárthy-rét, the blue cycling marker shows the way.
• The return trip is obviously the same in reverse.

Description:

Skanzen - Pap-rét

• Terrain: asphalt

A few hundred meters after departure, a barrier marks the start of forest roads closed to public traffic, partly thanks to military activities from the more intense decades of the last century. After bypassing the barrier, it is worth shifting down and pedaling hard because the steepest section of the route begins immediately. After the two hairpin turns, the terrain gradually becomes gentler. The intimate, quiet road winding through the forest is bordered by smaller forest clearings and meadows, then from the left, increasingly beautiful views open up. The numerous branching paths show that this is an active area from both forestry and hunting perspectives. It has been considered as such for several decades already — this is reminded by the rain shelter called the Horthy garage, which we will soon see on the right.

After the hairpin turn, the ascent levels off while we roll along the base of the steep side of the Nagy-Berseg-hegy rising above us on the right. On the left, the creek winds spectacularly below us; it roars loudly in spring but may dry out completely during long summer days. After a straight section, a guardrail indicates that we will soon reach Pap-rét. We only need to overcome two or three more curves before, after another barrier, the junction of forest roads appears, along with the forester's house.

Pap-rét - Visegrád

• Terrain: asphalt

Here we can take a short break and refresh ourselves before leaving the junction northward. The easiest part of the route awaits us, as the asphalt path will slope downhill all the way to the border of Visegrád. Following the contour of the hillside, the pleasantly winding path will definitely delight even the most demanding cyclists. Just be careful not to take the hard-to-see bends too fast because oncoming traffic might include not only other cyclists but also forestry vehicles. In the second half of the descent, we first approach the Apátkúti Valley running below us on the left, then we travel parallel to it for quite some time. Shortly before Telgárthy-rét, on the left below, we can spot the area's most famous water source, the Kaán Károly spring. Named after the famous forest engineer active in the early 20th century, it was developed in 1938. Its water is always cool and fresh but drinkable only at your own risk.

A few hundred meters after the spring, the landscape opens up before us, and we find ourselves in a neat meadow. We stand at the northern end of Apátkúti Valley, where a small forest rest area sheltered by surrounding hills and ridges has been created. The winding course of the stone-decorated Apátkúti Creek running at the western edge of the area makes the surroundings truly picturesque. At both ends of the meadow are trout ponds fed by its water. It is also worth mentioning the nearby Ördögmalom Waterfall and the restaurant of the same name, which can offer relaxation and rest for a longer time. A few hundred meters beyond the valley exit, we reach the streets of Visegrád, so you can cycle there if you wish.

Visegrád - Pap-rét

• Terrain: asphalt

If we decide to continue our journey, we must travel the previously covered route in reverse. After leaving the clearing, we begin a long climb through the forest, as we have to overcome an elevation gain of over 300 meters over the next approx. 7 kilometers. After the barrier, the cool air from the Kaán Károly spring may hit us, but the steady approximately 5% incline will surely warm us up soon. It is worth enjoying the endless calm and picturesque scenery while pedaling because it is rare to ride on such an ideal terrain. The roads closed to public traffic, relatively good quality asphalt, beautiful forest, challenging but not too steep ascent: what more could a cyclist wish for? The switchbacks cutting into the hillside several times ease the climb and provide an interesting panorama of the road ahead. After the third hairpin, the ascent pleasantly eases, offering a small breather.

After the gentler section, only one more kilometer awaits before we reach our next destination. At the end of a longer straight section, a noticeable barrier and a small pond indicate that we are at Pap-rét, where it is worth refreshing, resting, and enjoying the magic of the place.

Pap-rét - Skanzen

• Terrain: asphalt

This intersection is the junction of asphalt forest roads that cross the area, nestled between Visegrád, Szentendre, and Pilisszentlászló. Opposite the forester’s house, there is a developed resting place for tourists with benches and a table. After resting and refreshing, we set off again, beginning the descent along the path already covered. Following the green cycling marker, we slowly roll along the Sztaravoda Creek. Be cautious because after forestry work, the road surface is often gravelly, covered with wood chips, and sometimes rainwater or machinery brings mud from the feeder bulldozer tracks.

Therefore, and also because of other cyclists and hikers, let’s descend carefully! This is all we need to pay attention to; we have less to think about navigation since the asphalt path clearly indicates the direction. Eventually, a combination of a sharp right and left turn signals that we will shortly reach the Skanzen again. After bypassing the barrier, just a few hundred meters remain until we return to the starting point of the route at the Forrás Street parking lot.