The Barycz River Valley. DOT54

137.66 km
>4h
hard
Routes system:
Dolnośląska Kraina Rowerowa

Route details

Short characteristics

This is a long-distance route running across the Barycz River Valley. You can get to know this area of Lower Silesia by starting in Odolanow and ending in Wyszanow at the mouth of the Barycz River. The total length of the loop is 143km. The trail is marked out on dirt and those asphalt roads with less traffic. The track is very carefully marked and it really is outstanding in some places, clearly weaker in other places but definitely worth the ride in its entirety. For the sake of logistics, the easiest way is to divide the loop into two or three stages, using railway transport (departing from Wrocław Glowny station is the best solution).

Stage 1. Odolanow-Milicz

The first 12 km to Wrobliniec is a ‘formality’ as you ride on an asphalt path across the fields. Further on, you enter the forest and soon after there is the Potasznia Ponds complex. These are less known and definitely less frequented areas. This does not mean that they are less interesting. On the contrary, it is one of my favourite places. For the next few kilometres, the track runs right along the water. Having crossed a field, you end up next to an equally spectacular complex in Krosnice, followed by Grabownica, then Ruda Milicka and Milicz. The total length of this section is 41km and it is rather challenging.

Stage 2. Milicz-Zmigrod

For logistical reasons, it is better to start in Zmigrod as it is harder to get to Milicz by train in the morning but it is easier to come back from there in the afternoon. However, I will continue the description according to the course of the river. Another 41km of the route awaits you. The first 20 kilometres is a ride in the forest or in the fields, mostly on luxurious designated bicycle paths. On the way, there are a few tourist attractions to visit (Kaszowo, Postolin). From Laki on you enter the great complexes of Milicz Ponds: Ruda Sulowska, Grabowka, Radziadz and Ruda Zmigrodzka. This is the creme de la creme of the day and these loops are already described in DOT51, DOT52 and DOT53. If you manage to save enough time, the Castle in Zmigrod and the beautiful park by it are a neat culmination of the day.

Stage 3. Zmigrod – Wyszanow (Glogow)

This is the longest section: 61km plus another 15 km to the railway station. The first part of the section (to Wasosza) is a ride across fields and forests. The pleasant feeling can only be spoiled by a rather unpleasant 4-5 km cobalt stretch from Pobiel – Wasosz. However, it gets better and better as having passed the town, you cycle on nice asphalt roads for a long time. Further on, a long way from Wierzowice Wielkie, you enter the field road yet again which makes this stretch (to Ryczen) simply excellent. Then there are mostly calm asphalt roads among vast fields and a bit of dirt forest tracks. Note: on the Osetno-Szaszorow section there is a stretch where you ride on a barely visible path in the grass. Fortunately, the finish of this section is outstanding: the estuary of the Barycz river which goes into the Odra river! You can easily cycle along the both banks of the Barycz river. However, the view from the north bank is definitely more impressive. After a break, you still have to get to the station in Glogow. You can take the blue ORT route there and the ride is very pleasant until the end.

More information about routes in this area can be found on the website : dolnoslaskakrainarowerowa.pl

 

 

More features:
Type route:
family, with tourist attractions, with rail access, nature
Roads:
dirt, asphalt
Bike type:
any, trekking
Marking:
very good

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