Od ranče ke dvěma plzeňským rozhlednám

This time we head to the surroundings of Plzeň and the Bolevec ponds, which offer many natural attractions.

We start at the Šídlovák Ranch (49.7841339N, 13.3747672E), whose heart is a stylish non-smoking pub that makes you feel like you went back 100 years. The ranch also includes an equestrian facility, so before we get on the bike, we can take a horseback ride. Following cycle route 35, we leave the ranch and head via Kolomazná pec to the Krkavec lookout tower (49.8029056N, 13.3410622E). Krkavec is one of the three prominent peaks near Plzeň and, after Radyně, it is the second highest summit (504 m a.s.l.) in the Plzeň area. At the top stands an 18-metre-high stone tower, which has been open since 1901. For the view, you need to climb 98 steps, but the effort is rewarded with a splendid view from two decks over the Plzeň basin and the Šumava region; you can also see a significant part of the Český les, the Bavarian range Hoher Bogen, part of the Tepelská Highlands, Brdy, the Švihov Highlands, the western part of Křivoklát Highlands and, of course, Plzeň.

From Krkavec we will go along the red tourist trail to Chotíkov, where we join cycle route number 2295 and continue via Kůští to Město Touškov (49.7769775N, 13.2497119E), about 10 kilometres west of Plzeň. Its historic core is an urban conservation area. Its dominant structure is the Church of St. John the Baptist, built to the designs of the renowned High Baroque architect Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, together with the nearby rectory, which hosted many distinguished guests.

After Město Touškov we leave the cycle path for road number 180 and reach Kozolupy, where before the railway crossing we again join cycle route no. 37, which takes us via Vochov to the castle complex of Křimice (49.7586833N, 13.3061456E), built on the site of a former fortress. It was built in the Baroque style in 1732 and acquired its current Empire appearance in 1811. There we can take a rest in the park or in the U Mže area, play minigolf, and enjoy local grilled specialities.

We continue along the same bike route through Skvrňany, the centre of the city, past the Pilsner Urquell Brewery to Doubravka, along the Úslava river through Horní Berounka nature park to the Chlum lookout tower (49.7673511N, 13.4304444E). It stands at the summit of Chlum (416 m a.s.l.) and reaches 24.8 metres high. The lookout is a monument to the now forgotten Union of Czechoslovak Worker Tourists. The local branch in Doubravka had the idea to build a leisure structure with a lookout atop Chlum. Fundraising took place across the country, culminating in 1926 with laying the foundation stone. The money collected was initially only enough for building a hut. The lookout tower was constructed to just a third of its planned height and was completed three years later, opening to visitors on 23 June 1929. Today, after climbing 121 steps, visitors are rewarded with views over the Plzeň region. Down below, you can grill sausages, have a beer, soft drink or ice cream. There are wooden benches with tables, some under shelters, and a small playground for children.

From the lookout we descend along the red unpaved path and join cycle route 2151, which leads us through the Berounka valley, past Bílá Hora and the Bolevec ponds, back to Šídlovák Ranch.