Nevyastata Eco Trail

Nevyastata is a scenic forest walk eco trail located in the Rhodope Mountain Range in Bulgaria’s south west.

After heading south from Plovdiv this morning, we have already explored Asen’s Fortress and the picturesque Bachkovo Monastery, plus enjoyed a hearty lunch at The Salt Spring along the bubbling Chepelare River. So now we are ready for some fresh air and a stretch of the legs, an eco-trail to the Nevyastata scenic platform is just the thing.

We pull off the road at an unlikely looking spot where some friends of our guide’s appear to have sprung from nowhere. They are painting equipment for the summer – an obstacle course is run here along with the flying fox that operates at the viewing platform.

The day has warmed from a nippy spring morning into a day that feels like a real taste of summer. The sky is crystal clear and a light breeze plays in the trees. The sun has warmth without any of the summer’s strength.

The Eco Trail

Setting off into the forest, the temperature drops noticeably. The first dirt, then rocky path, gives way to pine covered undergrowth and the smell of woodland earth. It’s a smell I associate with late summer blackberry picking as a child and the heady magic of Enid Blyton’s The Enchanted Wood. All carefree fun with just a little exhilaration of what might be. What’s more, there must be blackberries here, but I guess it’s only the beginning of the season. They won’t be emitting their sweet ripe aroma at this time of year.

Looking from the forest floor up the tall trees and into the canopy, the light changes, as do the colors.

Low down nature’s palette is browns, black and deep green. The same colors are reflected hight up though the shades continue to lighten with dark browns becoming tan and then yellow, black giving way to shades of grey and the deep mossy clusters intensifying through the spectrum to bright and then the almost neon green of spring’s new growth. Sparkling sunlight dapples and turns the air golden as it hits us in small pops of illumination.

We enjoy the walk if for nothing more than the joy of the fresh air, the spring light, the colors, smells and the opportunity to stretch our legs. After much time watching the scenery from the car, it feels good to be properly immersed in it.

The Tale

After about 10 minutes, the trees part and we are rewarded with some scenery. This is possibly where the name Nevyastata, The Bride, possibly comes from. As with so many names, it seems to be derived from a mix of folklore and imagination, if not truth. Locals tell tales of a girl promised to an Ottoman ruler who threw herself from the rock, climbing to the summit under the guise of wishing to look out at her birthplace for a last time before being married. There are other versions and tales, all equally grisly.

After another 10 minutes or so, some of which involves scrambling over tree roots and clinging to rocks, we come out at the Nevyastata viewing platform. The closed forest scenes open out to an expansive view of Smolyan and the Rhodope Mountains.

Smolyan is a small town situated in a valley between the Cherna and Byala (Black and White) Rivers. The valley is surrounded by the Rhodope Mountain Range which covers much of southern Bulgaria and stretches into northern Greece.

In winter there town is a ski resort and the area has a rich cultural heritage thanks to its Thracian past. In summer the ski trails give way to hiking and we are currently sitting at the edge of a platform which gives way to a zip line.

The Views

Nothing can quite describe the feeling, much less the stunning scenery and I feel, both in the moment, and now, trying to describe it, simply at a loss for words as to the beauty. We sit here at Nevyastata in stunned and contemplative silence, enjoying the moment.

Our guide leaves us to our moment as she heads back to catch up with her friends. We can find our own way back along the path and remain for a time, taking in the expansive and yet immersive views. I watch, listen and reflect.

After a while I’m happy to leave the zip line platform to those braver than I. The feeling this height gives me can merely be described as butterflies in my stomach and I think of the bride for which this path is named. Perhaps she merely slipped.

Charlotte and I make our way back along the forest trail to the car. Both our legs and our spirits refreshed, my stomach almost recovered!

Good To Know

The Nevyastata Eco Trail is accessible from the Pamporovo – Smolyan road. The circa 1km trail itself departs from the carpark near to the St. Panteleimon Monastery. In summer there is a climbing wall erected and an obstacle course open. The zip line requires the walk to the viewing platform.

Would I Return?

No. Not for the walk of itself. Skiing here in winter would be exceptionally beautiful though. I would would welcome more time to explore the historic and cultural sites of the area.