The Forest Trail follows small roads and trails through the woods up until the water tourist camp “Lenči”, winds through the ever-changing terrain past Ērģeļu Cliffs and enters the ancient valley of Gauja River. Having passed Ērģeļu Cliffs, the trail turns back towards Cēsis, but then veers off towards Rāmnieki in Pieškalns, crossing the river. After the water tourist camp “Jāņarāmis” the Forest Trail enters a beautiful, bright pine forest, proceeding through the woods until it reaches “Caunītes”, which is one of the most beautiful places on the banks of the Gauja River.
Practical information
Length: 23 km
Duration: 7 – 9 h
Starting point: Gaujas street in Cēsis near the bridge over Gauja.
End point: “Caunītes”
The course of the route: Cēsis (Peldu street – Dzirnavu street – Upes street) – water camp “Lenči” – Ērģeļu Cliffs – Pieškalni – Rāmnieki – “Caunītes”
Road surface: Small forest or country trails, gravel roads, wooden staircase at Ērģeļu Cliffs.
Difficulty: medium
Danger points: Some staircases and river slopes in the ancient valley of Gauja may be slippery in damp conditions, spring and winter. Be careful on the Ērģeļu Cliffs! Swimming in Gauja River can be dangerous!
Keep in mind! There are no shops on the two-day walk between Cēsis and Valmiera!
Alternative route options: If the hiker goes to the starting point of the section from the Cēsis city centre, then for those who prefer to shorten the section a little, it is recommended to go straight from the centre of Cēsis towards Pieškalni and Ērģeļu Cliffs along Lenču street. At Pieškalni we suggest hiking to the Ērģeļu Cliffs and back (+ 2 km) and then proceed to Rāmnieki. In this case, the length of the section (Cēsis centre – Lenču street – Pieškalni – visit to the Ērģeļu Cliffs – Caunītes) is about 20 km.
