Peklo, The Czech Republic by RadekS

Peklo is a popular destination for tourists, geologists and botanists. The valley is rich in endangered plant species (e.g. spring snowflake, Primrose higher) and animals (e.g. eagle owl, kingfisher, river otter). Many tourists come here every spring to see the breathtaking spectacle that offers thousands of blooming snowflakes. In 1880, there was a plan to build a railway through the valley. Fortunately, the local club managed the construction of a bridge across the valley and saved this spectacular piece of nature. Today there is 24 meters high and 209 m long steel bridge with arches, which is also a technical monument. If you arrive by train across the bridge, you should notice the rock formations that resemble animals (eg, turtle, lizard). During the Thirty Years’ War, the Prussian-Austrian War or World War II, Peklo served as a refuge for the inhabitants of surrounding villages against the military units.

Through the Peklo valley leads very pleasant and not difficult hiking trail which is 4 km long. It is a narrow forest trail and contains several footbridges crossing the stream. You can even walk through the rock tunnel. At the southern end of the valley lies Karba settlement with houses sunk into the rocks.

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Those who are adventurous enough can make their way up to the Loch Skeen. The picturesque views of the area surrounding the peaceful loch are worth the almost hour-long walk it takes to reach.

Grey Mare’s Tail, Scotland, UK by Leon Pettit

Within the park, you will also find an earthwork fortress that dates back to the Iron Age. Known as Tail Burnt, the old fort was built upon a hill that has become known over the years as the Giant’s Grave.

If you are really up for an adventure, then you will need to bring your hiking boots because the trip up the side of White Coomb is a treacherous one. You may need to make your way through a herd of wild goats that live along the slopes of the hill. But the adventure is worth the effort as you stand over Tail Burn Gorge and simply admire the beauty that is the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve.

Since not everyone is willing to take the long and tiring trek up to the top of White Coomb, there is a visitor’s center which comes complete with a CCTV system. From the center, you can watch over the nest of a Peregrine Falcon and even see the entire Tail Burn Gorge. Most of all is that the visitor center offers a state of the art interactive system that will help you to learn more about the nature preserve as well as its long and colorful past.

There’s a reason why so many people over the years have made their way to the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve. The picturesque views of the valley, gorge and loch are definitely one of the biggest reasons to visit the area. Enjoying a peaceful day in the wilderness and a chance to become closer with Mother Nature is another popular reason that so many have visited the park to date.

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