Educational Trail “Around the Rocking Stone”

The marked route is approximately 6 km long and includes 13 stops.

The trail starts at the hydrobiological station Velký Pálenec, established in 1924 in the former gamekeeper’s lodge. It is a detached workplace of the Faculty of Science at Charles University. From here, the trail leads along the dam of the Velký Pálenec pond into the village of Vrbno and continues by road to Kadov.
The information boards along the trail cover themes such as forest, fauna, the villages of Vrbno and Mračov, fish farming, and the Velká Kuš pond. From the village of Vrbno, one can make a detour to the Velká Kuš pond, approximately 1 km away, which is suitable for swimming.

If we continue from Vrbno along the road lined with crosses towards Kadov, we reach stop No. 6 – Rock Basins. Turn left into the forest and after about 150 m on a hill called Hora, a large granite boulder with hollows – “basins” – will be discovered.

The next stop is at the edge of Kadov: the well-known natural monument – the Kadov Rocking Stone. It is one of the largest and best-preserved rocking stones in the Czech Republic. This granodiorite boulder weighs 30 tons. In the past, it was dislodged by vandals but was restored to its original position thanks to Ing. Pavel Pavel, who was also interested in the Moai statues on Easter Island. The rocking stone is located in a small park by the municipal office, where postcards and tourist tokens can be purchased during opening hours.

The trail continues through the village, past the Church of St. Wenceslas to the former fortress. Along the path between the church and the fortress, one reaches the cemetery, in front of which stands the tomb of the Barons of Lilgenau. Return to the intersection in front of the church and follow the yellow trail marker towards Slatina.

Along a field path among meadows and pastures, one can enjoy views of the landscape. Looking northwards, the Třemšín hill (827 m above sea level) can be seen in the distance. After a short while, turn left and after about 70 m reach the stone cluster called “Little Devil’s Bracelet.” Return to the main field path.

After about 300 meters, take the right turn at the next junction. A forest path leads to a meadow often used for camps. Climb uphill across the meadow and discover a massive boulder on the clearing – the so-called “Sacrificial Stone.” What the toothed stone was used for remains speculation. To continue on the trail, return to the previous junction.

Walk nearly a kilometer to reach the final stop of the educational trail. A marked forest path will lead to a group of boulders called “Great Devil’s Bracelet.” This is the final point of the trail. If you continue along the yellow trail, you will reach Slatina. From there, you can visit the Jewish cemetery or follow the Vintíř Trail to Chanovice.

The educational trail “Around the Kadov Rocking Stone” is not demanding. It is suitable for both hikers and cyclists. Most of the trail can be managed with a stroller – only the parts leading to the stones in the forest are not stroller-accessible. The rocking stone is accessible by car. If you park at the municipal office, the stone is within sight.

Stops:

1. Hydrobiological Station
2. Forest
3. Amphibians, Water Birds
4. Vrbno
5. Fish Farming
6. Rock Basins
7. Rocking Stone
8. Kadov
9. Chapel, Tomb
10. Viewpoint, Meadows and Pastures
11. Little Devil’s Bracelet
12. Sacrificial Stone
13. Great Devil’s Bracelet

Municipality of Kadov: http://www.kadov.net/
Blatenska Municipal Union: http://www.blatensko.eu/