Opletnya village - Klyuch shelter - Kozata voda

5 hours
9.6 km

The route starts at the Opletnya village center following red markings. Passing a gazebo with views of the Iskar River, a steep climb through forest and meadows leads to the Padezh area (resting spot with a gazebo and St. Spas shrine) in about 1:15 hours.

At the crossroads, follow yellow markings northeast across pastures and through beech woods to reach the Dolen Klyuch shelter in about an hour. Picturesquely attached to a rock face, it offers sweeping views over Ochin Dol.

From the shelter, take the red-marked path left and downhill through the forest toward Kozata Voda. A 1-hour walk brings you to the Kozata Voda fountain (with picnic tables), standing next to an impressive 25-meter rock needle.

The trail descends steeply into the Bela Voda River valley, passing a sheepfold and a 50m detour to Gatsov Kladenets fountain. The highlight here is a massive 2 km long limestone "stone river."

Follow the road down along the left bank of the stream, crossing it near the Opletnya campsite. The path then winds past old village yards back to the starting point in Opletnya.

  • The route is marked with red tourist markings from Opletnya to the Padezh area, yellow - to the Klyuch shelter and then red again to Kozata Voda and the village.
  • Information signs are placed at characteristic places.
  • There are built-in places for recreation and panoramic platforms.
  • There is water in the second half of the route (after Klyuch).
  • Numerous paths and forest roads intersect throughout the route and the markings must be carefully followed.