The Long Way Down Kokořínsko

A long 40.3 km push down the whole length of the Kokořínsko, from Dubá over the plateau and through the Kokořínský důl valley to Mělník.

Getting to the start is the only awkward part of the planning. To Dubá you have to take a bus. After that the terrain helps. The climbing is done in the first third, and the long second half goes gently down toward the Labe.

From Nový Berštejn on the edge of Dubá the route heads south through Panská Ves and Nedamov, over the wooded hump of Velký Beškovský vrch and past Tubož and Ráj. This is classic plateau walking through pine woods, sandstone lanes and sleepy hamlets. Around the halfway mark it drops into the Kokořínský důl, the region’s central valley, and follows it south past Kokořín castle. This section runs along the valley road, so expect some traffic at weekends.

At Lhotka the route climbs out of the valley for the final leg over Hradsko and its ancient hillfort plateau, then descends through the vineyards into Mělník. End the walk at the château terrace above the confluence. The station is a few minutes further.