Section 11. Spicu Bridge - Zaķi.
Practical information
Length: 31 km
Duration: 1 (long) day or 2-day route
Starting point: Spicu Bridge by Gauja River
End point: Zaķi
The course of the route: Spicu Bridge – Kokšu Lakes – Cirgaļi dunes – Zaķi
Road surface: Small forest roads, trails, gravel roads
Difficulty: Easy, if the section is completed in two days, hard, if completed in one day
Danger points: Watch out for cars on winding gravel roads!
Keep in mind! The nearest accommodations are within a 5 to 8 km radius of Zaķi. You can try asking the hosts to pick you up or take the Smiltene–Gaujiena bus (at 15:10 (does not run on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) and 19:15), which connects Zaķi with Aumeisteri, Zvārtava and Gaujiena. The mentioned locations offer accommodation.
Alternative route options: Strong hikers without heavy backpacks will be able to complete the distance in one day. It is advisable to divide the section into a two-day walk with an overnight stay at the rest area by Cepurīte Lake (tent spots only, ~ 3 km from the Forest Trail) located approximately in the middle of this section.