Self-guided: Trekking/biking route. The Ancient Knight path

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1 Self-guided: Trekking/biking route The Ancient Knight path Along the circular route you will be able to see Vaidava village, ceramics factory Vaidava Ceramics, Rubene Lutheran church, Mujāni Medieval White tower, Kokmuiza manor, as well as to view the horse stables and go through the section of former Narrow-Gauge Railway road. Route: Valmiera Jumaras iela- Jumaras bridge- Kūļi-Sietiņiezis-Antoni-Vaidava-Rubene-Mujāni- Kocēni-Valmiera Marked: partial marked route Distance: ~46 km Best time to go: April October. For true adventures-all year round Approximate time: 7-8 h by bicycle. 2 days trekking tour with overnight stay. Type of bicycle: trekking bicycle, which is suitable for gravel roads. Comfortable clothes and boots for long distance walking. Level of difficulty: medium; particular attention must be paid when cycling our walking by the Gauja River as it is sandy, with lots of tree roots, which become slippery during rain Road surface: asphalt, sand, gravel, forest track Resting areas: next to exposure of a sandstone outcrop of the Jumara river right bank by the gauja River, nearby Sietiņiezis, by the Vaidava Lake. By the guest house Mazais Ansis in Rubene.

2 Suggestion for overnight stay on the way: Tent place nearby Sietiņiezis; Youth hostel Zaļā māja, Kocēni municipality, Vaidava, GPS , Guest house "Mazais Ansis", Kocēni municipality, Rubene, , GPS , Alternatives: The most challenging part of the route Valmiera-Sietiņiezis can be done by passing the forest track via local road. The route also can be cycled our walked in the opposite direction and it is possible to start it at any point, except for the forest track Good to know! By passing houses, beware of dogs which might be off the leash SIGHTSEEING OBJECTS 1. Exposure of a sandstone outcrop of the Jumara river right bank Jumara river flows through a tree-covered sandstone ravine with steep banks. By the bridge over the Jumara river a 60 m wide and 6 m high red and brown upper Devonian sandstone outcrop is visible. GPS: , Kūļi mototrack is one of the oldest mototracks in Latvia established in 1983, which became famous for hosting motocross Gauja s Cup. Currently motorcycle races takes place in the mototrack. GPS: , GPS: , Sietiņiezis is 15 m high and 400 m wide exposure of white sandstone a geological nature monument of a state significance which is largest of its kind in the Baltic region. Along the rock there is a 2,7 km long nature trail with several viewing platforms, as well as picnic areas.

3 4. Antons stone is a tent shape stone of which only the upper part is visible. A glacier from the Ice Age has brought it here from the Northern part of Finland and Sweden. GPS: , In pottery Vaidava Ceramics one can buy hand-made traditional pottery of Latvian red clay. Pottery also offers organized tours during which everyone can try their skills in pottery info@vaidava.lv GPS: , Adress: Ezera Street 2, Vaidava, Vaidava rural territory, Kocēni municipality! Advance notification required 6. Vaidava Lake is 4 km wide, average depth - 5,3 m, maximum depth 9 m. The lake and its surroundings is a beloved place to organize recreation, culture or sport events. Next to it there is a swimming area and an open-air stage. A licence for fishing is needed. GPS: , The Swedish pine with a girth of 3,2 m is a nature monument of a state significance. It is located near Vaidava Lake. Rumor has it, that this particular pine has been planted by the King of Sweden himself. GPS: , Vaidava hillfort is a monument of cultural heritage of a state significance, surrounded by a fortification system of three ramparts and ravines. Archaeologists have found evidence of people living in this place before the 13th century. GPS: ,

4 9. Rubene secular stone is located right next to the Valmiera Riga highway, in front of the Rubene Evangelic Lutheran church. It is 2,7 m high with a girth of 14 m. GPS: , Rubene Evangelic Lutheran church and its congregation is one of the oldest in Latvia, established by priest Indriķis (Henry of Latvia) in the 13th century. He is also the author of the Chronicle of Henry of Livonia, which is the oldest known written document about the history of territories corresponding to modern day Latvia and Estonia. The church is open every day GPS: , Mujāni Medieval Castle's White Tower Mujāni Medieval Castle which was built around 1473 was used as a residence of the Rīga Archbishop's Vassal. After the Northern war only castle ruins and one of its towers - the White Tower has remained. GPS: , Cimpēnu hillfort is located in the Mujānu-Cimpēnu vale between the Tilgaļu Stream and a quagmire. Before crossing it, one must make sure that it is safe to cross it. Part of the hillfort has been levelled to damb a road across the quagmire. GPS: , Zirgaudzētava Kocēni Stud-farm offers to take a look inside the stables, go horseback riding or ride in a cart, take horseback riding lessons, or learn more about equestrian sport and possibilities to obtain a horse. They also organize group events Adrese: Astras, Kocēni rural territory, Kocēni municipality sturedace@inbox.lv, kitija_kleinberga@inbox.lv GPS: , ! Advance notification required

5 14. Kokmuiža Manor The neo-baroque manor was built in the 19th century to replace previous manor building. Since 1937 Kocēni primary school is located in the Kokmuiža Manor. Spherical sun dial is located in front of the manor, which is open for public viewing Adrese: Alejas Street 2, Kocēni, Kocēni rural territory, Kocēni municipality GPS: , Jāņaparks or Valmiera 2nd train station. Currently it is a dwelling house. GPS: ,