A wonderful hike in the shade of the trees

A word of warning: the path down from Dealu Culmea is steep and challenging, as it leads over loose stones and loose soil. I recommend taking the path on the way up, i.e. from Ciclova Montana, or at the very least using walking sticks. There is no risk of falling off a cliff, but on this slippery and steep path it is easy to slip and fall.

The walk is wonderful in spring, when the trees have few or no leaves. This means plenty of light still reaches the ground, and higher up the path winds through a forest dotted with wild garlic. I went at the end of April, and the wild garlic wasn’t yet in bloom around Dealul Rolului – only further down. But the scent was already strong.

Stanca Rolului offers excellent all-round and distant views. It’s well worth stopping here for a break, as you don’t usually get much of a view, but you do get to walk in the shade of the trees and bushes. Be careful: there are horned vipers in the rocks. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any.

From the edge of the village of Ciclova Montana, you walk along a tarmac road for just a short while. Otherwise, forest tracks or small footpaths are the norm. A detour to the monastery takes just 30 minutes one-way. There is a sign at the fork in the path. I’m not sure if it’s worth it. But a short stop at the idyllic river in the wood is certainly worthwhile. In the crystal-clear water, you can spot plenty of newt larvae and caddisfly larvae.

The hike is long, but the path is mostly very well marked with blue dots on tree trunks or on rocks and stones. You should take plenty of water and provisions with you. There is a cistern at the Poiana Lulii Forestry Office. I don’t know if the water is actually drinkable, but it looks very clear.

All in all, including plenty of breaks, the walk took me around 7 hours. Keen walkers will certainly be able to cover the route more quickly. Leisurely walkers, however, should allow considerably more time or turn back at Stanca Rolului. Either way, the walk is well worth it. Please just make sure you take your rubbish with you and don’t leave it behind. Nature will thank you for it, and I hope you enjoy the hike.

Further information: https://www.cheilenereibeusnita.ro/listare-trasee/10-traseul-dn-57b-km-15-dealul-rolului-dealul-culmea-stanca-rolului-ciclova-montana/