2020. April

time: 2-3 hours with rest
 
Distance: 3km 
Level difference: 50m 
Qualification: easy/medium hike 

 Need to know: it has many section with chains  

In April, we still have to think carefully about where to go hiking, as there is still a lot of snow in the higher mountains. We were looking for an easy hike with a larger company on Sunday morning. Looking at the map, I came across the Cheile Borzești, about which I had never heard of. I thought we would walk around the 3 km long hike quickly. We were very surprised.

• Approach:

In the Arieș valley, leaving the village Moldovenești, we arrive at the Buru Chalet. We park the cars here. It is worth choosing an earlier time to leave, there is hardly a parking space.

We start to the right of the Buru chalet at the red dot mark. After 50m we arrive at the Borzești stream and the experience can start! 

We were very surprised when we discovered chains on the gorge wall a few m ahead in the creek. Due to the low water level, we were able to jump on the rocks in many places, but on some sections it would not have been possible to cross dry without the chains. In some places we had to climb vertically, in other places we moved horizontally over the water.  Crossing the strait, which includes two waterfalls, requires attention, but its wild beauty is a shame to miss. 

Important: Hiking is not recommended during the rainy season! Not even at high water levels! If you’re in a gorge and it’s starting to rain, it’s a good idea to leave the gorge as soon as possible, the large amount of water can make access impossible or dangerous.

• Recommended equipment: gloves for crossing steel wires.

The high wall of the strait became smaller and smaller, then turned into a shallow stream flowing in the woods, thus completing our crossing of the gorge. We got back to the cars on a wide path. For many of our team, this was their first chain hike. It was a huge experience for everyone, a great success in our circles. I can only recommend it.

Useful info: On weekends, it is likely that due to the increased number of tourists and the slow progress on the chains, a line may develop. Let’s be patient with each other and look around while waiting.