Above Roades

Climb up a huge grassy hillside to the high forested hill to the north of this typical if a tad depressed village, home of author William Blacker. The village is sadly changing for the worse as a result of houses having been bought and insensitively altered and buildings erected by overseas incomers.

A picnic on a knoll just below the forest is a must, enjoying the big views back over the village and its valley.

A steep puff gets you into the forest and up to the hilltop, in shimmering beech forest. Turn left when you meet the track at the top, and follow it as far as desire takes you, swinging left at any fork. Drop left back to the Roades valley, turn left at the bottom and meander gently back to the village.

Dogs:sheepdogs are fierce and can attack, in numbers. Walk in a group, keep away from flocks, close up if they approach, carry/pick up a stick if near a flock. Walk steadily, don’t run.

Keep your wits about you in the forests: it really is easy to get lost, as few trails are waymarked; you could become painfully aware of just how empty the area is!

Bradt’s Transylvania is the guidebook, packed with valuable information, although little detail on walking routes. Find relevant books on Amazon.

For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Saxon South and  Transylvania walk pages.