The path leading along the right bank travels through the upper and lower part of the valley, and therefore at some places difference of more than 40 m in height is experienced. This is sort of a geo-tourism route with an insight of dolomite and sandstone outcrops from the Devonian Period which are found in the primeval valley of the River Amata shaped by the glacier.
Best time to go April–October. |
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Route Amatciems – Melturi – Kārļamuiža – Kārļi – Zvārte Rock – Veclauču Bridge. |
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Distance ~21.5 km. The route can be made by combining any of its sections: 1) Amatciems–Melturi 5 km, 2) Melturi–Kārļi 3.5 km, 3) Kārļi–Zvārte Rock 9.5 km, 4) Zvārte Rock–Veclauču Bridge 3.5 km. |
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Duration 8–11 h, where: 1) Amatciems–Melturi 2 h, 2) Melturi–Kārļi 3 h, 3) Kārļi–Zvārte Rock 4 h, 4) Zvārte Rock–Veclauču Bridge 1–2 h. |
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Difficulty level Difficult due to the steep and high banks and deep lateral ravines. |
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Road pavement Mainly forest paths; gravel road in section Amatciems–Melturi. |
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Starting point/Destination In Amatciems or at the road Riga–Veclaicene (A2) on the right bank of the River Amata, near the bridge; however, it can be started at any point of the route Veclauču Bridge, destination for canoe-riders “Amata”, or any other place. |
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Way marking Orange and bright red blazes — diamonds on tree trunks (in the section from Melturi to Veclauču Bridge). |
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Distance to Riga Starting point 75 km, destination 85 km. |
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Worth knowing! Suitable hiking footwear needed. During wet weather, the route can be unsafe due to the steep slopes. During spring, autumn and other periods, dolomite landslides and landfalls are possible; be careful and watch your step! Do not climb on the outcrops; do not damage these. When the water level is low, you can cross the River Amata at many sites. The left bank of the River Amata in the section from Zvārte Rock meadow to Veclauču Bridge is part of Roči Forest Reserve, and entrance is prohibited! Hiking outdoors is at one’s own risk. Emergency services: 112. |
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Recommendation The route can be merged and circular routes can be made in the vicinity of “Karlamuiza Country Hotel”. You can park the car at the hotel: 1) landscape trails in the vicinity of “Karlamuiza Country Hotel” with a visit to the Kārļi fish breeding farm and Ainavu Cliff — 5.5 km; 2) “Karlamuiza Country Hotel” – Ainavu Cliff – Stūķu Rock – Dzilnas Rock – Zvārte Rock – “Karlamuiza Country Hotel” ~15 km with one part of the route leading along the river, while the other — along forest paths; 3) resort hotel “Jonathan SPA Estate” – private house “Biržakas” – guest house “Melturi” – railway station “Melturi” – resort hotel “Jonathan SPA Estate” ~15 km with one part of the route leading along roads on the right bank of the River Amata and the former railway track on the left bank. |