Green Velo

The bike trail runs, as its name suggests, on both banks of the lower course of the Rospuda River. The route, nearly 50 km long, has a good surface and is almost free of cars. It starts in the village of Białobrzegi and ends in the city of Augustów. A part of the route, running through the Augustów Primeval Forest and the Rospuda Valley, is very attractive and interesting. Unfortunately, the signposting is quite old and incomplete, but the route itself is quite easy. It is suitable for bike trips with children and recreational trips. The advantage are good asphalt roads and dirt roads, with very low road traffic (except two short sections).

The general course of the trail is as follows: Białobrzegi (0.0 km) - Topiłówka (24.4 km) - Rospuda valley (31.2 km) - Szczebra (43.2 km) - Klonowica river (48.8 km) – the city of Augustów (49.3 km).

The trail starts in the village of Białobrzegi, which is approximately 10 km south of Augustów. You can get to the beginning of the trail from this city by using the green R11 route. The Rospuda Valley Trail starts in the village of Białobrzegi on national road no. 8, a few hundred meters north of the Augustów Canal lock. From this place it runs to the northwest, through the agricultural villages of Żarnowo Pierwsze, Drugie and Trzecie. Next, along the edge of the forest, the route runs through the villages of Biernatki, Pruska Wielka, Janówka and Topiłówka, crossing the road No. S8 on its the way. The area is quite monotonous and typically agricultural.

More or less after 25 kilometres a much more interesting part of the trail begins. The route enters the pine forests of the Augustów Primeval Forest, which will remain to the end of the trip. The trail crosses the heavily forested valley of the lower course of Rospuda river, and the terrain becomes more varied. This river is known for the protest carried out by environmentalists in the defence of nature, thanks to which it has become a popular destination for trips and kayaking. From the perspective of a bicycle and a kayak, you can admire the majesty of the Augustów Primeval Forest and numerous wetlands and charming areas.

The trail crosses to the other side of the river and runs along the edge of the forest to the southeast, towards the city of Augustów. In the locality of Szczebra, for a short distance we go along a national road, unfortunately with heavy traffic. Fortunately, after about 200 meters the trail veers into the fields and zigzags(attention to signposting!) through forests towards the city of Augustów. We pass over the Klonowica river - probably the shortest river in Poland - and end the trip on the Augustów city limits. We can reach the centre by boulevards, along the Green Velo route. From the Augustów centre, the Rospuda Valley route will be approximately 65 km long. Because of good pavement and moderate difficulty of the route it is a distance that can be cover in one day.

Points of interest along the trail:

1. The Augustowski Canal (the Białobrzegi Lock)
2. The Rospuda River valley
3. The Augustowska Primeval Forest
4. Klonowica - the shortest river in Poland
5. the city of Augustów - a health resort, tourist attractions

The entire trail is suitable for bicycles with panniers/bike trailers. The trail uses solely roads with no motor vehicle traffic allowed or local roads with a low and very low vehicle traffic; no dangerous intersections.  The trail is especially recommended for families with children and children's trailers. A recreational trail. Trail with outstanding natural beauty.

Starting point:

Białobrzegi, National Road No. 8 to the north of the village

Finishing point:

Augustów, an entry from the north near the isthmus of Necko and Biała lakes (Klonowica)