The Rhodope Mountains are a network of paths and trails that vary in length, difficulty and terrain, from wide grassy pastures to alongside sheer rocky drops. The scenery is constantly changing as you wind around the mountains; enclosed leafy lanes turn into beautiful views far across the valleys. You can follow the local shepherds well-worn tracks or venture into overgrown paths where the sandy terrain changes, becoming rocky with shallow streams to cross. The woods consist of natural broadleaf trees, including Oak and Silver Birch interspersed with a mixture of pine trees, and make great habitats for flora and fauna, including many varieties of wild flowers, ferns and mushrooms. Plenty of wildlife is all around with native tortoises, lizards, deer, jays, eagles and many rare species of butterfly.
We have mapped out and graded routes to help you decide which paths to take during your stay, whether independently or in groups, and remarkably mobile phones work better here than a lot of English countryside! Another plus is there are regular watering holes all along the main track, stone or slate built arches with a constant supply of fresh clear mountain spring water so you can refresh and refill bottles. One piece of human intervention we appreciate!
The great thing about walking is you feel closer to nature and more observant to your surroundings, watching the deer grazing and finding Chanterelle mushrooms. Good footwear is important for safe and comfortable mountain walking holidays. If you intend to choose the more adventurous routes than you will need a more supportive boot. The changeable weather is also something to bear in mind when planning what to bring and length of walk as in Spring and Autumn temperatures in the mountains drop quickly at night. High summer is from late July to early September, reaching 30°C and too hot for any midday walking. Night walking is a brilliant way to see the starry sky without light pollution though if you stray off the main path you’ll need a good torch ☺
Check out our availability for your mountain walking holidays at http://www.melanya.com/melanya_bookings.html
