A return trip from “Zlatni mostove” to “Aleko Hut” in “Витоша” (Vitosha).

(S/E) From the car park, head north and follow the track until you reach a large playground and picnic area. Leave the road at the bend, continue straight ahead and take the path that runs along the left-hand side of the playground. At the top of this path, after 150–200 metres, you’ll come to a crossroads with signposts indicating Bor and the plateau (Плaтото); take the path that turns 90° to the right and climbs steeply.

(1) The slope levels out; walk along a balcony-like path at the level of the hotel for 150 m. Continue along the path, which becomes gentler than at the start. The walk becomes more difficult from this point onwards, as boulders litter the path and the slope becomes steeper once again. At times, when it’s raining, you’ll need to avoid the muddy sections by following small tracks that walkers have carved out to bypass the marshy areas. You’ll reach Bor after crossing the small stream via a brand-new bridge.

(2) You’re almost halfway up the slope to the plateau. The boulders make for a bit of a struggle, and you need to be careful. At the crossroads, head straight ahead; climb for about a hundred metres along a track suitable for vehicles, then veer left onto a path through the forest. You’ll reach a fountain (drinking water).

(4) Follow the path until you reach the edge of the forest. The slope becomes steeper as you climb towards the pass (magnificent view of the mountain).

(5) Turn left towards the pile of rocks – this is Kamen del (the peak above Sofia). After a break, some photos and a drink, retrace your steps back to the pass.

(5) Follow the path to the left and head down the plateau. You’ll reach a mountain hut that offers shelter in the event of a storm. A very pleasant 2 km gentle descent. Cross a small ford, then head back up until you come to a gravel track joining from your right in a hairpin bend. Continue the descent to an old, disused chairlift.

(6) Take the next path 50 metres to the right, which will lead you directly to the Aleko resort (where the canteen offers very reasonable prices).

(7) Retrace your steps to return to the starting car park (S/E).

Be careful on the way back at ‘Bor’: after the small bridge behind the building, the path splits 50 metres further on; take the right-hand fork in the road. It’s hard to remember the details when walking back, especially if the vegetation is lush and overgrown.

A few tips for the walk:

Make sure you’re wearing suitable footwear – no sandals, flip-flops or trainers. Watch your step carefully on the climb up to the pass, as the boulders are uneven, and be especially careful on the way back down, as it’s often on the descent that people fall due to fatigue.

Remember to drink!

For a bite to eat: At the Aleko canteen, I recommend the traditional Balkan drink: a cold Tarator soup made from yoghurt, cucumber, water, garlic, dill, oil and crushed walnuts, served ice-cold as a starter – it’s very refreshing and packed with nutrients to replenish your body. Afterwards, you can try some BOB (pronounced BOP)—a sort of Balkan-style mogette (white beans in a light sauce) from the Balkans – excellent with mountain herbs – which you can enjoy with a kebapche (minced pork and beef) shaped into a long sausage, or keufté (lamb and beef) in the form of a flattened patty made from minced meat seasoned with cumin, salt and pepper, then grilled to perfection.

Returning home: It is advisable to be back by around 4.00 pm in summer, as thunderstorms can break out very quickly in the mountains.

Asking for directions: As few foreigners speak Bulgarian, and Cyrillic signs are difficult to pronounce for the uninitiated, I’d advise you to take a photo of the sign pointing in the direction you’re heading. With even rudimentary English or by using gestures, you’ll be able to make yourself understood.

In good weather, do make the 400-metre detour to Kamen del (as indicated on the route), the peak above Sofia – the views are unmissable.

Throughout the descent from the plateau on the way there, look up at the summit to your right – that’s the highest peak of Vitosha. Mushroom-shaped observation and telecommunications buildings stand out against the ridge.

The flora is very varied in May, and there are blueberries in July.