South-West Region

ROUTE A: From / to Serbia Sector II. B - 1 1. From border checkpoint Strezimirovtsi to Sofia
This is a locally used road between Bulgaria and Serbia, little traffic, the area is very scenic, and it is well signed. The route I suggest next is the safest one: From border check point Strezimirovtsi (road 63) to Tran to Breznik (road 638) to Bozhuriste to Sofia.		A really nice bicycle route, entering or leaving Bulgaria via border checkpoint Strezimirovtsi. But, there are other options as well. The entire area (except the one just near Sofia) is perfect for camping in the wilderness. For more detailed description I will split this area into 3 sectors.

Sector II. B - 1. a (road 63) From border checkpoint Strezimirovtsi (road 63) to Glavanovtsi to Tran to Filipovtsi to Paramun to Breznik. This is an easy and pleasant area to bicycle. The only distance I still have not pedaled is from the border to Glavanovtsi.

The road from the border to Tran cross area called Znepole. It is beautiful area to explore by bicycle, with hardly any traffic along the road.		Overnight accommodations are possible in Tran. The next link is information about Tran and hotel in Tran: http://www.tranhotels.com/en/home


٭An opportunity Before go ahead toward Sofia, I will mention a local sightseeing - the gorge of Erma River. It is easy to visit is the spot is located 4 km north from Tran. The picturesque gorge of Erma River (Tran Gorge) is situated at a distance of about 4 km from the town of Tran and is one of the most attractive landmarks in this part of the country. The gorge is about 100 meters long, and about 5 meters wide in its narrowest part. A special eco path was made for curious tourists and nature lovers. It starts at the south end of the canyon. The route is 13 km long and passes through wooden bridges over Erma River, continues through a tunnel, cut into the rock, and a 35 meters long wooden bridge, after which an ascending begins at the west rock of the gorge. The most interesting and attractive sites along the trace of the eco path are the two gorges – those of the Erma River and the Yablanishka River. The view which opens from the eco path takes away the breath of visitors with its impressive rock formations in the river gorges, foamy waterfalls and water thresholds. More details for the Gorge: https://bulgariatravel.org/en/the- gorge-of-erma-river/ A nice asphalt road will lead you to the place. In the middle of the distance there is a hut and nice restaurant in it.

	The Gorge The place is nice to camp there, there is food, a hotel is available as well. Weekends in the summer the place can be overcrowded by tourists.



Toward Breznik. The route is easy, except a kilometer and half harder ascending just leaving Tran.

Food shop is available in Folopovtsi, next to Paramun there is a little restaurant near the road and tap of water.

On the wall of the restaurant are printed several sentences by the funny local dialect.



Our camp place in the highest point between Tran and Breznik. a little further from the highest road poin (

Sector II. B - 1. a - 1 ٭An opportunity A little further from the highest road point (36 km from the border checkpoint there is an off road in right, which will lead you to a nice place to relax: Fun Sport Aqua park "Konza": http://vespaclub.bg/project/2051/ There is nice swimming pools (the water is not thermal) and restaurant. Unfortunately the road is not labelled in this direction. From Breznik is easy to find it - head toward Rezhantsi and Konska. There is not food shops in both villages.

Overnight accommodation is possible in Breznik. Some information about Breznik Municipality and Breznik can be seen here:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SW/pernik/breznik

The town is known with the iron mineral water:

http://bulgariatravel.tv/landmark/get/179

This mineral water has 23 types of ingredients - the most among our mineral waters. It has a total mineralization of over 4000mg/l, of which a high content of iron - 400mg/l, magnesium - over 150mg/l, manganese - over 20mg/l, aluminium - over 65mg/l, metasilicic acid over 30mg/l, etc.

The water is unique to our country and is used in the treatment of anemia, disorders of the autonomic nervous system and metabolism.

Sector II. B - 1. b

In this sector I will show two routes from Breznik to Sofia.

Route a (I do recommend it!), The route is:

From Breznik to (road 63) Babitsa (road 638) to Delyan to Zlatusha to Rosoman to Pozharevo to Gurmazovo to Bozhuriste (road 8) to Sofia.

Two kilometers east of Breznik is the road 638 to Sofia, it is signed very well. At the crossroad there is water and a little restaurant. Look for a sign with the words "Bozhuriste"

to the left.

The longest climbing is just after Breznik (alt. 750 m.)from Breznik to Babitsa and 3 more km to the top of the pass in Viskyar Mountin (alt. 942 m). Except for 2 - 3 km east from Zlatusha, the road toward Bozhuriste and Sofia is an easy downhill with a bicycle. Bring a spray against dogs in this area.



Once reaching the mountain divide, a beautiful view is revealed toward Vitosha Mountain - to east and Balkan and the Field of Sofia to North. The photos here were taken in the early April '17.

Route b:

From Breznik (road 811) to Arzan to Gurgulyat to Galabovtsi to Slivnitsa (road 8) to Bozhuriste to Sofia.

A reverse route, traveling from Sofia to Strezimirovtsi, is also nice, although the climb is much longer.

I would recommend it when leaving Sofia and Bulgaria and heading toward Serbia.

This opportunity is again in a very nice area, although the traffic from Slivnitsa to Sofia is more intensive.

The next several photos are taken in the area between Breznik and Slivnitsa.



Gurgulyat is connected with the our new history: http://visit.guide-bulgaria.com/a/1008/pantheon_of_the_perished_in_the_battle_for_gurgulyat.htm

From Breznik to Slivnitsa, 26th Sept., '23.

Sector II. B - 1. c

Bicyclists intending to bicycle toward Greece missing Sofia (Border Checkpoint Kulata) I will suggest two routes:

Route a:

From Breznik (road 811) to Bogdanov Dol (road 605) to Batanovtsi to Radomir to (road 627) . . . to border checkpoint Kulata.

Route b:

From Breznik (road 63) to Mestitsa to Pernik (road 871) to Radomir (road 627) to border checkpoint Kulata.

The route b is for bicyclists needing overnight accommodation - in Pernik, finding accommodations will not be a problem. The traffic on E871 is relatively intensive, but the road has 2 strips and pedaling there is not dangerous.

Both routes a & b are a very nice 50 kilometre loop in my region taking three hours to complete.

Route a:

From Breznik (road 811) to Bogdanov Dol (road 605) to Batanovtsi to Radomir to (road 627) . . . to border checkpoint Kulata.

It is very nice, almost plane area with very little traffic to the road E871. DO NOT drink the water from the 2 water springs you will see along this route, it really is not nice.

The next several photos are the area from Breznik to Batanovtsi. I pedal regularly this area in the autumn,

winter and spring. I post more photos illustrating the countryside in the different seasons.




July '24

Route b:

From Breznik (road 63) to Mestitsa to Pernik (road 871) to Radomir (road 627) to border checkpoint Kulata.

As I have mentioned, route b is for bicyclists needing overnight accommodation - in Pernik it is not a problem. The traffic on E871 is relatively intensive, but the road has 2 strips and pedaling there is not dangerous.

The several next photos illustrate the area in different seasons.






From Breznik to Pernik, 26th Sept. '23.

From Pernik to Breznik - the late august '24.

Information for Pernik can be found here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pernik http://www.visitbulgaria.net/en/pernik/pernik.html

Several words for my native town Pernik - it is known with the mask festival. Each year in the end of January thousands of masked people rampage in the in thei

center of the town for 2 - 3 days. Last several years the festival is international, so the town is just as a loony bin.

http://www.studyenglishtoday.net/kukeri-festival-pernik.html

Sector II. B - 1. c

In this sector I will give the last opportunities if you decide to pedal this part of the country. The routes are purposed for bicyclists loving wilderness and camping in it:

- Route a:

From border checkpoint Strezimirovtsi (road 63) to Yarlovtsi (road 6372) to Staychovtsi to Dolna Melna to Dalga Luka to Kosovo to Treklyano to Gabreshevtsi (road 637) to Rayantsi to Kalotintsi (road 623) to Vranya Stena to Pestera to Zemen to road E871.

- Route b:

From border checkpoint Strezimirovtsi (road 63) to Than (road 637) to Vukan to Mramor to Vidrar to Dokyovtsi to Penkyovtsi to Vranya Stena (road 623) to Pestera to Zemen to road E871.

Distances of the both routes are almost the same, the altitude gain of the second one is more than the first one.

Have in mind it is almost no man land. The traffic is minimal, food shops are not available in the villages along the road except Treklyano, which is a bigger village.

Route a

I pedalled this route years ago I still had not a camera. My memories are very nice - I remember there were wood strawberry along the road. Have in mind, there are off road segments here.

	Route b
The extremely hot late July I explored this route for the last time, after 11 am was not possible to pedal. The next several photos illustrate this beautiful area.


Five - six kilometers after Vukan there is a little Cheapel - Holly Virgin - very nice place to relax. There is a shade, a tap of fresh water and enough place to set up a tent.

Up the mountains

Once reaching the divide, down to Zemen are 40 beautiful down the mountain kilometers.


Zemen, its line station and back home by the train.

A little information for Zemen:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SW/pernik/zemen/zemen

I know there is a hotel next to it, I am not sure if it is at work. You can visit Zemenski Monastery built in X - XI century - one of the oldest in Bulgaria: I have heard that

people from France are interested from this monastery, I do not know why. There are some connections with the Templar and Crusades.

http://visit.guide-bulgaria.com/a/521/zemen_

monastery_of_st_joan_bogoslov.htm

https://bulgariatravel.org/en/the-zemen-monastery/

From Zеmen starts climbing of Konyavska mountain up to road E 871.

Next to Baykalsko - almost on the top of the Pass you can see "Choklyovsko Blato"- a unique swamp known with interesting botanic specimens. The zone is protected.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUITW9iIrOA

Routes in the South - West Region of the Country

Sector II. B - 2

2. From Sofia to Pernik to Radomir

As it can be seen from the map below there are three possible routes between Pernik and Sofia:

- Route A (Buchinski Pass):

From Sofia to Malo Buchino to Golemo Buchino to Pernik.

This is the route I would choose. It is in very nice condition and it is parallel to the motor road A3;

- Route B (Lyulin Mountain):

From Sofia to Bankya to Lyulin to Pernik.

It is easy to be find out from Pernik to Sofia, there is an off-road segment;

- Route C (Vladaiski Pass):

From Sofia to Vladaya to Dragichevo to Pernik.

The traffic here is intensive, I use this route when I enter in Sofia.

The scale on the map here is increased, so the routes I mention above can be seen much better.

(Look also Chapter X :

How to enter/leave Sofia by bicycle

On next charts you can see and compare the road profile of the 3 routes:


Route a: This road: From Sofia to Malo Buchino to Golemo Buchino to Pernik.		(in very nice condition) is parallel to the motorway A3, unfortunately it is unnamed. It is very convenient to pedal from Sofia to Pernik (and back) and I recommend it, no any traffic along it.

It is not easy to find out this road in Sofia. No any signs, I think here GPS device would work. Ask and look for Malo Buchino.		The next map is more detailed one: Pedal along Boul. Alexander Stamboliiski - it is easy to find it, after go only straight on Suhodolska Str.

Be careful to avoid the motor road A3!

Route b:

Beginning from Sofia it is easy to find the road toward Bankya, but after - it is not signed. The off road is steep

up to the mountain divide and it is muddy in the raining seasons as well. From Pernik to Sofia it is easy to find out this road. Avoid this route when it is raining.

Next map shows the easiest route from Sofia city to Bankya.

I am not sure if it is easy to find the road after Bankya toward Pernik, again the road is unnamed. GPS device surely will help here. Next several photos illustrate this

area. Again I will say that from Bankya to the divide you will climb an off road. From Pernik it is not a problem to find out this road.



And several photos from Pernik toward Golemo Buchino - a road segment the same for both routes a & b. From the Centre of Pernik City there is a velo lane.

Route c:

The traffic along this is very intensive, especially mornings toward Sofia and late afternoons in the back direction, as well as Sunday afternoons, it would be

better to be avoided, especially when leave Sofia. Too much exhaustive gasses up to Vladaiski Pass. In the opposite direction the situation is a little better.

An advantage here is that there is very convenient velo lane in Sofia town between point A (so called “Russian" Monument the first photo below) and point B (behind Sofia Ring).

Once leaving Sofia an ascending begins toward Vladaya. Maybe this is the most unpleasant road segment here.

In the end I would say here, that to leave Sofia by a train to Vladaya would be a nice decision.

Look Chapter IX. Roads and trains in Bulgaria. Healthcare in Bulgaria

We will continue toward Radomir now. Further, the traffic on E871 from Pernik to Radomir is relatively intensive, but the road has 2 strips and pedalling there is not dangerous.


The next little town is Radomir information for it: Information about Radomir: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radomir_(town) In the center of the town there is a hotel.

3. Border Checkpoint Oltomantsi This border checkpoint is of a local importance. Apparently, not many people use it, so I believe, it is very nice route to enter or leave BG.

Routes in the South - West Region of the Country

ROUTE B: From / to North Macedonia

Sector II. B - 3

Well, here you will be in a mountain area, so pedalling will be a challenge.

Two are available border checkpoint on the border between Bulgaria and Macedonia pointed on the map in left as:

2. Border Checkpoint Oltomantsi;

3. Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo.

More detail information I will give for routes from Sofia to Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo.

Sector II. B. 3

4. From Sofia to Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo

There are three opportunities to reach Gyueshevo Border Checkpoint from Pernik:

Route a

From Pernik (E781) to Radomir to Izvor to Dragomirovo to Tsarvenyano to Kyustendil to Vratsa to Garlyano to Rapentsi to Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo .

The route is along the international road E871 from BG to Macedonia. I would not say the traffic here is very intensive, but yes, it is available. The road is in nice conditions, I would not say it is a dangerous road.

Route b

From Pernik to Batanovtsi (road 6032) to Leskovets (road 603) to Kovachevtsi (road 6033) to Lobosh (road

623) to Zemen (road 6233) to Blateshnitsa to Baykalsko to

Tsarvenyano (E781) to Kyustendil to Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo.

This opportunity gives a possibility to avoid the traffic along E871. The route is a little longer than the previous one, but it is in a very scenic area, my suggestion is if you have more time to pedal it.

Route c

As Konyavska Mountain is very steep from its south-west side, I recommend this route for bicyclists hating long and steep hills in the back direction: The route is:

From Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo (E 781) to Kyustendil (road 62) to Nevestino to Dupnitsa (road 1) to Dren (road 627) to Radomir (E781) to Pernik.

Route a

From Pernik (E781) to Radomir to Izvor to Dragomirovo to Tsarvenyano to Kyustendil to Vratsa to Garlyano to Rapentsi to Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo .

The route is along the international road E871 from BG to Macedonia. The traffic here is not so intensive, but yes, it is available. The road is in nice conditions,

I would not say it is a dangerous road. In the previous item I have mention several words for Pernik, Radomir and the road from Pernik to Radomir.

leaving Radomir the road enter in the field of Radomir, toward Izvor the pedalling is easy. Next to Izvor there is a restaurant, several kilometers further 2 restaurants more and a tap with drinkable water.

The climb of Konyovska Mountain from this side is not steep and long. On the top of the pass there is a restaurant, a little further again a nice tap of fresh water is available. An interesting street art was available in Tsarvenyano - a wood bicyclist, I think it was a real one, woodened while climbing this extremely steep and long south west side of Konyvska Mountain (I think it is

the hardest pass in BG - the slope is 12 - 13 %).

If you decide to climb the mountain, my suggestion is to begin climbing the pass no later than 8 am in the hot summer days. . . . . . but in our direction it follows long and steep down the mountain bicycling. It is the road segment, where I got the highest speed by my bicycle - 62, 5 km/hour.

Kyustendil is placed in a deep hollow, surround by mountains. The view from both Osogovo Mountain and Konyovska Mountain is great. There are a lot of gardens of cherry and apple trees around the town.

The town is known as a spa center as well because of the thermal springs in it. There are several nice places for overnight accommodation in it. Information for Kyustendil

http://www.visitbulgaria.net/en/kyustendil/kyustendil.html

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/sw/kyustendil/kyustendil/kyustendil


An art gallery of a famous our artist is in Kyustendil as well. https://www.facebook.com/ArtGalleryVladimirDimitrovTheMaster/?locale=bg_BG


	Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo is located high in Osogovo Mountain, although from Kyustendil toward it the climbing is long and permanent, it is not hard ride. Unfortunately I do not remember if in the small villages along the road there were food shops and water. Gyueshevo is a bigger village just before the border, but is not on E871, to visit it, you have to leave E 871. In the back direction the route is most the perfect - the view from Gyueshevo down toward Kyustendil is great. I pedaled this route, unfortunately I have not photos from this area.

As I have mentioned above, the climbing of Konyvska Mountain from Kyustendil toward Radomir is not easy. It is maybe the only pass in BG, with a permanent and heavy slope of 12 - 13% for all the distance of

approx 9 kilometres. My suggestion is to begin climbing the pass no later than 8 am in the hot summer days.

But if you do not love to pedal long and steep mountains, look further for the route c.

Route b

To bicyclists who want to avoid road E 871 is my next suggestion and add 20 more kilometres I suggest the next route:

From Pernik to Batanovtsi (road 6132) to Leskovets

(road 603) to Kovachevtsi (road 6033) to Lobosh (road 623) to Zemen (road 6233) to Blateshnitsa to Baykalsko to Tsarvenyano (E781) to Kyustendil to Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo.

In the previous item I have mention several words for Pernik and the road from Pernik toward Batanovtsi, so I will not repeat it here.

The distance from Batanovtsi to Zemen is very

pleasant. It crosses Cherna Gora Mountain (Monte Negro), not a high mountain grade at all. After that the road follows along Pchelintsi Dam. There is minimal traffic on this route. Several photos illustrating this area:

A little information for Zemen:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SW/pernik/zemen/zemen

I know there is a hotel next to it, I am not sure if it is at work. You can visit Zemenski Monastery built in X - XI century - one of the oldest in Bulgaria: I have heard that

people from France are interested from this monastery, I do not know why. There are some connections with the Templar and Crusades.

http://visit.guide-bulgaria.com/a/521/zemen_

monastery_of_st_joan_bogoslov.htm

https://bulgariatravel.org/en/the-zemen-monastery/

From Zеmen starts climbing of Konyavska mountain up to road E 871.

Next to Baykalsko - almost on the top of the Pass you can see "Choklyovsko Blato"- a unique swamp known with interesting botanic specimens. The zone is protected.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUITW9iIrOA

This route gives a possibility to avoid the traffic along E871. The route is a little longer than the previous one, but it is in a very scenic area. If you have the time, I suggest strongly considering this route.


Route c Konyavska Mountain is very steep pedaling from its southwest direction. It is maybe the only pass in BG, where the slope is permanent and heavy - 12 - 13% for all the distance of approx 9 km.		Bicyclists entering in BG from Macedonia who hates hard climbing, I would suggest the next route: From Border Checkpoint Gyueshevo (E 781) to Kyustendil (road 62) to Nevestino to Dupnitsa (road 1) to Dren (road 627 )to Radomir (E781) to Pernik.

I have never pedalled the distance from Kyustendil to Dupnitsa, but I know the road is nice and not dangerous		for pedalling. In the next item there will be information for Dupnitsa and the road from Pernik toward this city.

When you come to Dupnitsa it is important to leave road 1 which surround the town.

The crossroad for leaving road 1 is a little complicated (the last photo above), but is signed well. As I have pointed on the left map, there is a dangerous tunnel, it would be better to avoid it.

Entering in the town, you can enjoy of a coffee and find several restaurants.

If you are pedalling in the reverse direction, follow signs to the town center.

Dupnitsa is an initial point to research Rila Mountain. Information about Rila Mountain can be seen in the Chapter VII. Nice roads in mountains:

RILA Mountains

Below are several photos from Dupnitsa.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dupnitsa

	Sector II. B - 4. a Route b This is one very nice route. The entire area is spectacular, there is hardly any traffic. Soon after Breznik you have to leave road E871: From Radomir to Varba to (road 604) to Kosharite to Boboratsi to Zhedna (road 623) to Bobov dol to Mlamolovo to Malo Selo to Golemo Selo (road 62) to Dupnitsa. I do not remember if the villages along the road food was available. But, in Bobov Dol, food may be available. The road profile segment shows that climb up Konyavska Mountain is not difficult at all and not steep. I think in the reverse direction the route a is better.
The next several photos are the area from Radomir to Bobov Dol. I do not remember if in the villages along that road there were food shops, but in Bobov Dol there is food.

Several photos illustrating the countryside from Bobov Dol toward Dupnitsa are taken from a four day trip I and my daughter did in this area in 2007.

Rearranging this Chapter in the 2022, I am sad seeing how fast the time is passing . . .

Bobov Dol is a little city knowing with coal mining.

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SW/kyustendil

/bobov_dol/bobov_dol




	Near Blagoevgrad both routes a & b meet after Dupnitsa: From Dupnitea to Dzherman to Usoyka to Mursalevo to Blagoevgrad. It is road 1, which is parallel to the main road A3 (E 79). I would not say it is a dangerous road. On weekends, there can be heavy traffic with tourists visits to Rilski Monastery. Along the road there are restaurants, food here is not a problem. The road toward The road is pleasant to be pedaled in both directions.




The road toward Rilski Monastery is signed.

Sector II. B - 4. a

Route c

From Radomir (E871) to Izvor to Tsarvenyano to Konyavo (road 602) to Gorna Grastitsa (road 621) to Katriste to Nevestino (road 104) to Chetirtsi to Pastuh to Boboshevo.

As an alternative to routes a & b, I can recommend route c.

Yes, it is longer than the other 2 routes in this direction. When I am touring in this direction, I always prefer to take this road: amazing countryside and very little traffic.

Here I will give information for a part of this route: between Bobov Dol and Boboshevo.

Food can be found in Nevestino. I do not remember if food shops were available in the other villages along the road.

Leaving Bobov Dol, the road towards Tavalichevo follows the south end of Konyavsta Mountain. There are hills, but, not dificult for pedalling at all. The next pictures

are taken in the end of May, my favourite season: the green fields and Rila Mountain will still covered by snow.

If I remember correctly the road in Tavalichevo toward Katrishe is not signed.



		Nevestino is known for its thermal water and an old bridge built around the XVI or XVII century. Unfortunately, there is not a thermal water swimming area. Leaving Nevestino, the road follows along a wonderful 25 km long Struma River Gorge. Road is in very nice condition with very little traffic.


Further you will see a little ancient chapel with access to water next to it. You can light a candle in it and pray to local Gods to appoint an Angel to fly over you and assists and guard you to Bulgaria/Greece border.

Toward Boboshevo. There are not many places along the gorge for a wild camping.

Boboshevo is a little city, I am not sure if overnight accommodation is available in it. http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SW/kyustendil/boboshevo/boboshevo

Leaving Boboshevo to road N1, you will cross Rilska River. There is a very nice area to camp near it. Crossing the motor road, you will find road N1.

Before discussing Blagoevgrad, I'd like to mention a places worth to visiting here are the stone pyramid formation near Stob and Rlski Monastery. Information about the monastery and Stob's pyramids can be found in Chapter VII. Nice routes in mountains: RILA Mountains, Point 4. Rilski Monastery. Blagoevgrad is one of the the regional centres of the southwest corner of the country. Information about Blagoevgrad: http://www.visitbulgaria.net/en/blagoevgrad/blagoevgrad.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blagoevgrad Several photos from Blagoevgrad.



Out of the town in direction toward Rila Mountain is the town garden.

On the road segment between Blagoevgrad to Simitli to Cherniche to Kresna there is a spectacular gorge. But, it is one of the most dangerous road segments in Bulgaria. Almost daily, there is a heavy accident in this area. There is one very dangerous tunnel in the gorge with no visibility in it at all. The road in the tunnel is narrow. DO NOT BICYCLE IN THE TUNNEL !!!

If you explore this area, I would suggest you to take on the train for the segment from:

- Blagoevgrad to Kresna ,

- or Simitli to Kresna,

- or Cherniche to Kresna.

There are at least 4 trains a day in each directions, with no problem taking your baggage and bike on the train: https://www.bdz.bg/en/

I ALWAYS TAKE THE TRAIN !!! The next photo is Blagoevgrad Line Station.

A road profile chart from Blagoevgrad to Simitli to Cherniche.

I suggest you to pedal the road from Blagoevgrad toward Simitli and Chernice. As can be seen from the map in below, there is a local road next to the road N 1, but in Blagoevgrad it would be a little hard to find it out.

So your GPS device would be useful. Leaving Blagoevgrad at your right you will see an interesting monument built by a talented oxygen welder.

Simitli is little town, accommodation in it is possible. Some information about it:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SW/blagoevgrad/simitli/simitli

If you pedal South to North, this local road it easy to be find in Cherniche or Simitli, so in this direction you can take on the train in Kresna (the first photo in left shows a hotel in Kresna) and get off the train in Cherniche, Simitly or Blagoecgrad.

Overnight accommodation in Kresna is available. Information about Kresna:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SW/blagoevgrad/kresna/kresna

Photos from Kresna, and its Line Station and my bike waiting for a train toward Cherniche.

Sector II. B - 4. a Here is the route from Kresna to Border Checkpoint Kulata (Greece): From Kresna to Gorna Krushitsa to Mikrevo to Drakata (roed 1082) to Valkovo to Struma to Lebnitsa to Ribmik (road 108) to (E 79) Border to Checkpoint Kulata, as well as the route from Kresna to Border Checkpoint Zlatarevo - Novo Selo (North Macedonia): From Kresna to Ribmik to (road 108) Petrich to (road 198) Parvomai to Strumeshnitsa to Border to Checkpoint Zlatarevo - Novo Selo. The road segment from Kresna to Ribnik is very pleasant for pedalling in both directions. In each small village there are food shops, there are a lot of water springs between villages. Pedaling down the Struma River, on your right is Ograzhden Mountain, on your left - Pirin Mountain. The view is very impressive. The road segment from Kresna to Cherniche is extremely dangerous one with a crazy traffic. Bicyclists pedaling in the reverse direction MUST take a train from Kresna to Cherniche (or to Simitli or Blagoevgrad). There are 4 trains a day in this direction.
		Here is very important to avoid E 79, the traffic along it is extremely intensive. When you get off the train at Kresna Line Station, you have to turn a little to find a bridge over Struma River: look for Gorna Krushitsa. I remember that pedaling back to Kresna from the Line Station, you have to follow signs for a hotel (the first photo below) - signs will lead you to the road you need. Just behind the hotel is the bridge over Struma River. The road profile chart shows pedalling along Struma river would be very pleasant in both directions.
Pedalling here down toward Ribnik you will see no more than 10 cars.

After Gorna Krushitsa (the first picture below) the road is in not nice conditions, but it is only 1/4 mile (there will be no mud there if it is raining), after it will be again asphalt.


Food and water supply here is not a problem. Reaching Ribnik, you have to turn left (the last pic below where is the sign to Sofia) and go on the Motor road E 79 to the BG/Greece Border Checkpoint Kulata.

Sector II. B - 4. a - 01 The next opportunity is purposed for more the more adventurist explorers. It will give you the opportunity to visit Rupite as well as avoiding the motor road E 79. Close to Ribnik is Rupite (signed well along the road, as shown in the photos below). Rupite is formed like a park. There is a church there. A part of her life there spent one well known and popular Bulgarian clairvoyant, in fact she built the church. A lot of interesting information about Rupite can be found out in the next cites: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rupite https://bulgariatravel.org/en/rupite/

According to the geologist, this area is an ancient volcano crater. Here you will find a hot (75 deg of C) thermal spring. The springs form a lot of pools of water and mud. People, including myself, love to wallow in the pools hours at a time.

You can choose a pool having a temperature you like. The further you are from the spring the cooler the water

in the spring. Be aware, there are leeches in cooler pools. I have seen several.

According other specialists the place is special, it is an energy place. After wallowing in the pool I camped next to this place. Really in the morning I felt recharged, I only am not sure if it was because of the special place, or because of my little bottle of whiskey I took before sleeping.

But my idea is another. If you move a little further toward train line (just behind me next to the hill) you will

see a line bridge. Cross the river below it - it is easy and go further along the off road next to the train line.


In the end, Border Checkpoint Zlatarevo - Novo Selo can be used as a point to leave, or enter in Bulgaria (Sector II. B - 4. a):		From Border Checkpoint Zlatarevo - Novo Selo (road 198) to Strumeshnitsa to Parvomai to Petrich to ribnik to Kresna.

Again, I have only pedaled the section from Ribnovo to Petrich. Some information for Petrich and of photos can be seen on the links to the right.		http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/SW/blagoevgrad/petrich/petrich http://www.visitbulgaria.net/en/petrich/petrich.html




II. B Routes in the South - West Region of the Country



Food shops are available in Drugan and Dolna Dikanya.

Next photos illustrate the same area and my camp place there in the middle of September '16.



A restaurant and water are available next to Dren. After 25th of May you can find a lot of cherry trees near the road.