Vazov's Hiking Trail

It's been years since husband and I visited Vasov's Hiking Trail near the village of Bov. The trail runs along the Skaklya river up to the top of the rocks, to the start of the Bovska Skaklya waterfalls.

When we last visited the place, we were still not in the habit of using Orux maps or similar hiking apps and hadn't realized, that the trail continues through the village of Zasele and down the rocks back to Bov railway station.

Yesterday was a cloudy day with mild November temperatures and husband and i decided to embark on a train journey to Bov railway station and to examine the entire circular hiking trail.  

The place had a quiet late autumn beauty, with overcast skies, mostly bare trees and paths, covered with wet brown leaves. Despite the weekend and the overall popularity of the trail, the place was almost empty and we enjoyed our climb in solitary companionship.

Hike info:

Date: 09 November 2025 

Destination: circular trail Bovska Skaklya

Mountain: the Balkans

Total length: 16.8 km

Elevation gain: 510 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 4 hours 30 min

Average difficulty: 4 / 10

As expected in late autumn, the waterfall was scarce, flowing in a threadbare ribbon, in quiet contrast to its spring frenzy.

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

 

Husband: men's boxers, Burda cargo pants, Burda longsleeve

I:  lingerie, Sinclair hoodie

The Skaklya rock crown near the village of Zasele

The end of the trail at the village of Zasele and a bridge, running over the Skaklya river

The start of the waterfall. From here the Skaklya river throws itself down the rocks on its way to the mighty Iskar river

The Balkan mountains and the gorge of the Iskar river

The village of Zasele and a war memorial

The circular trail continues through the village, gradually climbing down the other side of the rock crown

On peak Kokalan (814 m). We took a detour from the trail to check this "peak", which turned out to be a small meadow with a beautiful large crowned tree

And back to the start of the trail and the Iskar river. It was a great hike and we'll definitely come back to Bov next year.

Hotnishki Waterfalls

Last year, while driving by Veliko Turnovo, we passed through the village of Hotnitza, and quite by chance found out about the natural monument, that lies only a kilometer from the village - Hotnishki Waterfalls.

Last Saturday, on the same road near Veliko Turnovo, we planned our lunch deliberately at the waterfalls. I was curious to see them in the prime of autumn and they did not disappoint! 

The day was sunny and pleasantly warm for the end of October and we enjoyed our walk along the ecotrail by the Hotnishka river immensely.

 

The rich color of the tree leaves added magnificently to the beauty of the waterfalls

We climbed up the wooden stairs to the rocks above the gorge and had our tortillas with this breathtaking view. Honestly, better than any restaurant, at least for me!

Me-made items, worn on this trip:

Husband: boxers, Burda longsleeve, Vikisews hoodie

I: lingerie, Burda blouse, Sinclair Journey Raglan Jacket, Burda jeans

The upper point of the big waterfall

In conclusion - the place proved to be gorgeous in autumn and definitely worth visiting any time of the year

Rilska Skakavitza 2025

One of our most favourite places - the valley of Skakavitza river in the Rila mountains and the big waterfall at the end of the valley. We hike here almost every year and it is always a fulfilling and at the same time different experience.

Yesterday was Saturday and August, so by definition the place was packed, unlike last year, when we hiked mid-July on a Friday and we were almost the only people for the entire 13 km of the hike. The day was warm, but cloudy, very pleasant for a hike in the high mountains.

I haven't posted lately about sewing, because I haven't done much lately, but in these pictures you can see my latest make - a pair of mid-calf leggings by Love Notions. The pattern is free, intended for children up to 14 years old and I've long ago found out that the largest children size fits me perfectly and I prefer them to the adult legging patterns I have.

Hike info:

Destination: Rilska Skakavitza Waterfalls

Mountain: Rila

Total length: 13 km

Elevation gain: 585 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 5 and a half hours

Average difficulty: 4 / 10 

The valley of Skakavitza river was at its best - green and colorful and full of flowers.

We climbed up the waterfall to a terrace in the mountain wall and had our lunch there, overlooking the valley.

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

Husband: boxer shorts, Burda hoodie, Burda blouse

I: lingerie, Love Notions LDT tunic, Love Notions joggings

Our lunch place. We found a small plantation of big ripe blueberries, growing there and picked a small box for a couple of blueberry cream cakes.

For our return back we chose the long alternative trail through the forest, where we picked another small box of berries - this time raspberries. Lots of berry cream cakes in our nearest future :)