Arbanassi is a true gem of a trail location. Perched high up above the historic town of Tarnavo in central Bulgaria you have every possible trail terrain on hand.
This route starts in the centre of Arbanassi with 15th century churches and places of world historic importance. Travelling through you instantly head off through a well thought through park and then another castle (although this one was only built a few years ago!) Immediately you head down the first of several long decent. Depending on the weather these trails could be hard and dusty or liable to be flooded and muddy. Whichever one you find you will have epic views and a deep sense of rural Bulgaria.
The route heads back up high and detours around the rocky terrain that Tarnavo is famous for. Heading back down for the third time you get the best view of the Tsarevets Fortress (Thracians and Romans used it as a defensive position, but the Byzantines built the first significant fortress here between the 5th and 7th centuries AD. The fortress was rebuilt and fortified by the Slavs and Bulgars between the 8th and 10th centuries, and again by the Byzantines in the early 12th century.) Its awe-inspiring.
A final ascent takes you around the back of Arbanassi a good /tough set of hairpin bends into town.
You will find refreshments in Arbanassi and some natural spring wells in the forest
