A walk along the Dutch Ponds
The Holany and the picturesque region around them lie just a short distance behind the northern end of the Kokořín-Mácha region, but by its nature it falls into it. From Holan, we set off on the popular approximately 25-kilometer circuit along the ponds and with an ascent to the peaks of Ronov and Vlhošť. However, you can also take just a short walk to the stone bridge and Dolanský waterfall, which is also nice
Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Holany
Probably the best starting point for this walk is a village square in Holany, where you can park without any problems. The dominant feature here is the church of St. Mary Magdalene in Holany
Beautiful view of Holany
From the village square we descend to the pond and after about 700 meters we reach one of the most beautiful views on this hike – the church behind the pond and behind it the massive silhouette of Vlhoště
View of Ronov
Ronov (552 m above sea level) is a bit lower than Vlhošť (614 m above sea level), but it looks like a classic volcano and from the top there is also a nice view and there is also a castle ruin
On the way to the camp Milčany
The road continues along the red tourist trail, or along the cycle route 3098. Unfortunately, the narrow road is quite busy as it leads to the Milčany campsite located by the Milčanský pond, but also to the Jacht Holany restaurant. Along the way there are views of Vlhošť and Holany
The ruins of the Milčany castle
After going around the camp and refreshments you will get to the cottage area. There is also a minor attraction in the form of the ruins of the castle Milčany, also called Vítkovec. Only one wall on the sandstone rock has survived
Stone bridge at Mlýnský pond
The path continues through the forest and you then emerge at a very interesting stone bridge.
Canal in the rock
The stone bridge is over an artificial gap in the sandstone rock, which served as a drive to the former mill.
Hrázský pond
The path continues along the dam of the Hrázský pond
Dolan waterfall
Not far from the end of the dam of Hrázský rybník you will find the picturesque Dolanský waterfall. There is more water here in spring or after rains. There is also a nice pool and sandstone cave.
View of Vlhošť
Just a short distance away is another pond – Dolanský with a beautiful view of Vlhošť. There are also two statues – a virgin and a hastrman. We have about 4 km in our legs and we will return from there the same way back. Of course, it is ideal to continue through Stvolínky to Ronov