Section 45. Penijõe - Laiküla.
Practical information
Length: 22 km
Duration: 7 – 9 h
Start: Penijõe Manor: Matsalu National Park visitor centre,
Finish: Laiküla village, the bus stop near Virtsu – Risti road (No. 10)
Itinerary: Penijõe – Kloostri – Kelu – Kirbla – the historic bridge across the Kasari River – Keskküla – Laiküla. Next, you have to take a bus or a transfer to get to Haeska (~ 24 km), which is the starting point for the next day. On this day, you can come back and spend the night in Lihula or continue to Haeska.
Road surface: Roads covered in asphalt and gravel.
Difficulty level:
Obstacles: None
Dangerous places: Be careful when walking along the small country and village roads, as well as along the motor road and ensure safety. The Virtsu – Risti road has to be crossed via tunnel.
Good to know! The bus connecting Lihula and Haapsalu runs ~ 12 times per day. Twice a day, the bus turns into Haeska, which is the next day's starting point. You have the following options: a) match this day's hike, going in parallel with the road (No. 10), to the Lihula – Haeska – Haapsalu bus and ride to Haeska, where the closest accommodation place is ~ 3 km away; b) take the Lihula – Haapsalu bus to the turn to Haeska (on the Laiküla – Haapsalu road, No. 31, bus stop Haeska teerist) and then walk ~ 7 km to Matsalu Bay where you will find an accommodation place; c) make an agreement with the owner of the accommodation place regarding transfer. Bus timetable: www.peatus.ee, www.tpilet.ee.
Alternatives: It is worth spending at least a couple of hours or half a day observing birds near the Haeska birdwatching tower.