Pilis Bike Anna-laki route (Nagykovácsi P+B)

Itinerary:

• Follow the Z mark from Nagykovácsi to the Anna-laki meadow
• From the Anna-laki meadow to the sharp left turn follow Z+, then the PB11 mark.
• The same in reverse on the way back, naturally.

Description:

Nagykovácsi - Képesfa (PB10, PB11)

• Terrain: asphalt, gravel road

Starting from the parking lot towards the church, then passing it quickly we approach the town border. Turning left onto the Telki road we're practically there. We cross a small bridge over the Ördög-árok, which originates nearby and leads to the downtown, and slowly leave Nagykovácsi. The narrow single-track road branching to the right joins a wide forest dozer road after a few hundred meters, then we reach the forest edge. The continuously ascending road becomes a bit steeper, meanwhile the limestone gravel is replaced by fist-sized or larger stones. Luckily this doesn't last long: soon we reach Képesfa, visible on the right. In the aptly named Széltörés forest, a devastating storm struck in 1924, sadly claiming victims. In their memory, a shrine was placed on the old oak tree standing here.

Képesfa - Hidegvölgy (PB11)

• Terrain: gravel road

Leaving the junction we continue to follow the Z mark, then immediately find ourselves on a descent. The limestone ground is pleasantly fine and comfortable in some spots, but in others consists of larger boulders and even gullies that make it trickier. For this reason, it’s worth proceeding with increased caution. After a few minutes of rolling, we find ourselves in a cozy and quiet spot, the Anna-laki meadow. This clearing equipped with resting areas and benches has a wonderful atmosphere thanks to the hunting lodge nestled at its edge, a truly fairy-tale building. Opposite it, we can remember Pál Csergezán, a painter closely connected with the forest and nature.

Continuing from the meadow on the Z+ mark, after a curve we go uphill again, then reaching the summit of Telki Hill we can shift the chain to the big ring. For a forest route, this is almost like riding on a highway here. The very wide dozer road descent tempts us to speed, but let's not let the bike accelerate too much! At high speed, slipping on the stones is easy, and soon a sharp turn awaits us.

After the long straight, the dozer road bends slightly right. In the middle of the curve we turn left off it and continue on a narrower two-track road through the forest. Surrounded by newly planted trees, there is a beautiful view of the Kopasz Hill rising to the right. After crossing the paved road, we have to climb a hill, then turn right. Watch the marks painted on trees, as several direction changes are needed within a few hundred meters! Finally, reaching the edge of a smaller clearing, we turn to the Z▲ mark, which leads us to the Hidegvölgy resting area.

Hidegvölgy - Képesfa (PB11)

• Terrain: dirt road, gravel road

After a quick refreshment and rest we can turn back, and leaving the parking lot, pedal for a few minutes on the Z▲ mark, then at a clearing take a left turn! In the forest’s quite dense network of roads, we must follow a right-left-right-left combination, so it’s better to carefully watch the markings at each intersection. After a rough descent, we cross the paved road, which leads to a waste collection and recycling site operating on the area of a closed quarry. We continue rolling until reaching the wide dozer road! Turning right here a long ascent begins. Although not very steep, it lasts quite a while.

Once reaching the top, after a quick roll we find ourselves again on the previously visited Anna-laki meadow, where it’s worth taking a short or longer rest as it is an especially calm, peaceful place. Before continuing, refresh, as another climb awaits us! We pedal northwards on a picturesque limestone road shaded by the canopy. If we keep pedaling, soon we find ourselves again at the Képesfa junction.

Képesfa - Nagykovácsi (PB10, PB11)

• Terrain: gravel road, asphalt

Heading north, at first we proceed on a rather uncomfortable dozer road littered with large stones and gullies, so concentrate hard! Over time the terrain improves and becomes smoother and more manageable. At the end of the straight descent Nagykovácsi appears, surrounded on both sides by fields. To the left, the bare cliffs of Széna Hill provide a spectacular backdrop. After passing the barrier, be careful: instead of rolling into the town’s last street, turn left on a narrow, grassy path! Entering the large village, only a right turn awaits before almost reaching the town center. Passing around the church, we find the starting point on Kossuth Lajos street.