Cycling Journey: Day Six - From Wrocław to Kołobrzeg by Bike
Setting Off on an Adventure
Planning for our week-long cycling trip, we spent a night in Agroturystyka Pod Jesionami, Cieszyno. Although the accommodation was comfortable, the kitchen was less equipped than expected—no proper knives and no gas stove lighter, so remember to stock up if you decide to stay.
With a slight delay as usual, we embarked on our journey, traversing the Old Railway Trail (Stary Kolejowy Szlak) near the start. This picturesque asphalt road, lined with greenery, offered a pleasant, vehicular-free ride for cyclists. After 30 kilometers, our route crossed Połczyn-Zdrój and continued smoothly despite a brief transition to public roads.
Showing remarkable determination, our group sustained impressive pace throughout the last day. Despite battling against the wind, we managed to reach Białogard within 3.5 hours—halfway through our journey!
After a refreshing 2-hour break in the town's market, we resumed our ride. Though the Old Railway Trail was unmarked behind Białogard for a while, we followed the Salt Trail (Szlak Solny) along the Parsęta River instead. The trail presented a mildly challenging terrain but led to a rejuvenating break by the water.
In Karlino, about 17 km past Białogard, the asphalt bike trail resurfaced, leading us all the way to Kołobrzeg by dusk. We caught the spectacular sunset over the horizon :)
For our final day, we cycled part of the R10 bicycle route to Ustronie Morskie. This well-known route connects Świnoujście and Hel, offering picturesque scenery along the way. However, we found it overcrowded, particularly near towns, even during a mid-May Friday with less-than-ideal weather.
It was only when the rain started that the crowds dispersed, revealing a more peaceful, wildlife-rich atmosphere that we enjoyed observing. And as always, the sunset was simply unforgettable.
Our week-long trip concluded with a 720km journey, occasionally navigating unfamiliar terrain. Initial concerns about the distances and consecutive days of cycling faded by the end, as energy levels held strong. Though we were eager to return home, the cycling bug stayed with us, and we couldn't wait to embark on another adventure soon.
Further Exploration
Poland boasts numerous rail trails renowned for their scenic beauty, easy accessibility, and historical significance. These rail trails, known collectively as "bicycle routes on old railway lines" (ścieżki rowerowe na dawnych trasach kolejowych), wind through forests, alongside rivers, and near charming towns and castles.
Some popular examples of these trails include the Ełcka Kolej Wąskotorowa (Ełk Narrow Gauge Railway), which features historic stations, forests, and tourist trains, and trails in Pomorskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie regions, where old railway lines are being revitalized for cycling and walking use, especially around Bydgoszcz, Nakło nad Notecią, and Wągrowiec.
When pursuing a specific "Old Railway Trail (Stary Kolejowy Szlak)," it's best to consult local tourism boards for up-to-date information on available routes in your desired area. Happy trails!
[1] https://www.masztalak.com.pl/2430- cycleszyk-oopolski.-nasz-7-dniowy-cykloturystyczny-rejs-do-kolobrzegu-po- starym-kolejowym- szlaku
[2] https://www.bydgoszcz.pl/opolskie-region- rowerowy.html
[3] https://kptk.pl/nasz-region-w-rowerze/szlaki/olechowicki-szlak-rowerowy
[4] https://www.polishcyclingroutes.pl/tours/pomorz-e-zachodnie.html
- As our next adventure unfolds, we might consider exploring more rail trails in Poland for a unique blend of scenic beauty, historical significance, and ease of access.
- To fuel our passion for cycling, we could plan a trip on the Ełcka Kolej Wąskotorowa or the rail trails in the Pomorskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie regions, offering opportunities for adventure and discovery.
