Lakatnik – Milanovo railway station

The route starts from the restaurant to the Zhitolyub spring. After a series of serpentines, in 10 minutes the path reaches the gazebo in front of the Temnata Dupka cave. From there, on the right is the turnoff to the cave, and to the left the climb along the route continues. Temnata Dupka is a complex labyrinthine multi-story cave. It has been declared a natural landmark and entry inside is prohibited due to the fragile ecosystem, including many endemic invertebrates. After another 10 minutes we reach Alpine meadow. Behind the stone shelter, a path to Petrenski dol begins, and to the right we climb to the edge of the rocks. A short turnoff can lead to a panoramic platform above the emblematic Eagle's Nest shelter. From here, the ropes for the traditional alpine trolley on Lakatnik Day are stretched.

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  A little further up the trail splits (about 30 minutes from the beginning) – to the left is the marked trail to the Monument of the Septemvriyts (25-30 min), and to the right is the other trail that passes by the Razhishta Cave. The second is a little longer, steeper and unmarked (30 min). You can easily pass the Razhishta Cave, because the turnoff is narrow and overgrown. It takes about 45 minutes to get here from Zhitolyub. The cave itself is wide and accessible to tourists, although not well-maintained. In the past, it was quite beautiful, but due to easy access, many of the formations inside have been broken. In winter (December-March), entry, lighting fires and making noise are prohibited, because large colonies of bats hibernate inside.
  After the Razhishta Cave, the trail is dug up and overgrown in places, but does not present any particular difficulties. In 15-20 minutes you climb to the Monument of the Septemvriytsite. From there you can enjoy a wonderful view of the river and the railway line at the foot of the rocks. Behind the monument, an asphalt road begins, which leads through the Razhishta hamlet to the main Lakatnik-Milanovo road. We take it. At the beginning, the road is quite steep and makes a series of bends until it reaches the ridge. At the first houses, the slope slopes down. On the right there is a small oak grove, and on the left are the end houses of the hamlet. After them, the road turns left at 90 degrees and passes through vast meadows with a view of the Vrachan Balkan. Then the road enters the main part of Razhishta. In the center there is a shop and a fountain. After the end of the hamlet, the road begins to descend smoothly. Shortly before a sharp right turn to the left in the forest, a path marked in blue separates. Along it, you can reach the center of Milanovo in 15 minutes. Shortly before entering the village, the trail may be overgrown in some seasons, but it is generally maintained. The entire journey takes about 2 hours, but provided that you do not stop anywhere. And the route is full of panoramic platforms and interesting places. So allow at least 2:30 hours.