Belcheva skala

A memorable hike we had today on Vitosha - from the village of Zeleznitza to peak Belcheva skala (1832 m). The peak is not very high - almost as high as Kamen del, but the elevation gain from down the village up to the peak along the fairly short and extremely steep trail, was a killer! 

:The day was very hot and humid, with promise of rain, which came in the early afternoon, with the first rain drops falling just as we got back into the car. Talk about timing :)

:In late May the south-eastern slopes of Vitosha are like an English garden - juicy green and abundant with flowers

Hike info:

Destination: peak Belcheva skala (1832 m)

Mountain: Vitosha

Total length: 12 km

Elevation gain: 700 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 4 and a half hours

Average difficulty: 6.5 / 10

:The Blue Arrow shelter, a place we often hike, down to the left

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

Husband: boxers, Knipmode cargo pants

I: lingerie, striped tunic, hoodie

:Finally, on the peak. It was difficult, but the reward was fitting - gorgeous panoramas, beautiful vistas and sweet solitude - we were the only hikers on the peak at that time

:We ate our lunch here, taking in the view, and planned an even harder hike for the future - along that ridge across to Kupena hut and from there down to Zeleznitza and back to the car

:A wild orchid - Orchis masculata