Kamen Del 2023

 I have a new favourite circular trail on Vitosha. My most favourite is probably still the one from Aleko to Cherni vruh and then back along the high altitude circuit, but this new one definitely ranks very close. We tried it for the first time last year, when Gaby was visiting for her BSc graduation and this Sunday husband and I repeated it and confirmed our complete fascination with it.

The trail starts from Zlatnite mostove, but quickly deviates along unmarked and secluded paths, gradually climbing up towards peak Kamen Del.

The entire trail to the peak was abundant with purple crocuses. I know, crocuses are common on Vitosha, but so many at one place I've really never ever seen in my life.

Hike info:

Destination: peak Kamen Del (1862 m) along circular trail

Mountain: Vitosha

Total length: 14 km

Elevation gain: 480 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 5 hours

Average difficulty: 5.5 / 10

Peak Kamen Del, probably the most scenic and visited peak on Vitosha, after Kopitoto.

We had our lunch here on the peak, with a view to the plateau and the city below.

The Rezens and Cherni vruh, still covered in solid snow:

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

Husband: boxers, Knipmode cargo pants

I: lingerie, Plantain blouse, hoodie, leg warmers

After our lunch we continued along the trail on the plateau

and then took the track down to Kikish hut. This was the most interesting and scenic part of the hike.

Some parts of the track had been destroyed by the snow and winds during the past winter, but it was still passable, even if with some difficulty (just a tiny little section with a snow drift).

I always feel additionally pumped up, when the place we hike is extraordinarily beautiful.