Where do you start! I’m a mountain man by heart and happiest when up high. It’s the main reason for putting roots down in Govedartsi, the house is at 1200m, just higher than Snowdon in the UK and the hills rise above on three sides, Malyovitsa at 2729m is at the head of the valley. Situated in the Rila range of stunning ridges and lakes there’s always somewhere new to explore ether as a day tourist or a multi day hike with some great mountain huts to reside in. Rila’s main attraction is the Seven Rila Lakes, a glacial valley with ‘seven’ lakes, it can can be reached on foot or by chair lift but can be very busy in the summer months, the guest path can be walked in about three hours from the top of the lift but those wishing space can easily disappear in the the solitude of the surrounding hills.
To the south of Rila is the Pirin range, a more dramatic set of hills and ridges and more rugged than most of Rila the most infamous is the Koncheto (Horse) ridge. Bansko ski resort is a great base to explore from summer and winter.
The third area is the Rhodope Mountains, a more forested area with narrow valleys, rivers and waterfalls. South of Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s cultural city, it also steeped in history and well worth a visit.
Lastly the central range ‘Stara Planian’ cuts northern Bulgaria in half, running east to west, the hills have played a major part in the counties history with the Shipka and the Buzludja monuments sitting high on its summits, both not to be missed.
In all a fantastic location for mountain adventures in summer and winter and for all levels of fitness. Come and see, you will be pleasantly surprised and like me may never leave!