Green Velo

The route to the “Wzgórze Polak” Hill is a proposal for a long, nearly 50 km-long bicycle tour leading from Biłgoraj to the place of one of the largest partisan battles during the January Uprising of 1863. A well-signposted trail runs through forest roads and firebreaks, often with sandy surfaces, and asphalt roads running through the picturesque Roztocze hills. The route is very scenic and has varied landscapes. It requires being in good shape, but riding it gives pleasure to every enthusiast of off-road cycling.

The general course of the trail is as follows: Biłgoraj (0.0 km) - Ignatówka (11.8 km) - Trzesiny (15.6 km) - Lipowiec (21.0 km) - Panasówka, Wzgórze Polak (27.0 km) - Tereszpol (33.1 km) - Bukownica (36.7 km) - Wola Duża (41.7 km) - Wola Mała (44.0 km) - Biłgoraj (48.6 km).

The trail starts in the centre of Biłgoraj and using the bike trail along provincial road no. 858 it runs to the east, joining the Green Velo trail. Then the route goes to the vicinity of Biłgoraj-Zwierzyniec railway line, and again meets the Green Velo route in the village of Bukownica. Together, both trails pass the nearby village of Tereszpol, located near the border of Roztocze Landscape Park. From there, the Green Velo trail continues to run further east towards the locality of Zwierzyniec, and the yellow trail diverts northwards, climbing a hilltop, which is called the Wzgórze Polak (The Hill of the Pole).

It was here, near the village of Panasówka, where in the first days of September 1863, one of the largest battles of the Polish January Insurrection (supported by Hungarian volunteers) against the Russian armed forces took place. Although the Tsarist army outnumbered Poles over three times in terms of artillery, the defending Polish troops were victorious and broke the opponent's forces, which suffered major losses. Nowadays, this historical event is commemorated by a monument and an annual all-star bike rally, ending at the place of the former battle.

The area around the village of Panasówka is also the most beautifully scenic part of the trail. Cycling over the hills, you  can admire the picturesque, wavy landscapes of the Roztocze region fields, interlayered with forests and tree patches. The hills stretching between the localities of Tereszpol and Lipowiec are not too steep and can also be overcome by the cyclists who are not in very good shape. Difficulties can include overgrown, dirt roads, however, their charm fully rewards the efforts of cyclists.

Starting from the locality of Lipowiec with a wide arch, the trail makes a loop and runs back to the city of Biłgoraj. This part of the route is flatter and mostly runs through the picturesque, marshy forests surrounding the city of Biłgoraj. In the villages through which the trail runs, the cyclist will encounter numerous old huts and charming shrines.

Points of interest along the trail:

1. Biłgoraj - religious monuments
2. “Wzgórze Polak” Hill - a monument commemorating a partisan battle of the January Uprising 1863
3. The landscapes of the borderlands of the Roztocze Region and the Biłgoraj Plain
4. Forest and swamp complexes of the Biłgoraj Forests
5. Vantage points near Tereszpol

Not all fragments of the trail are 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.  A trail for lovers of mountain biking and off-road cycling. Trail offering outstanding vistas.

Starting point:

Biłgoraj, Zamojska street, next to the Aldik store

Finishing point:

Biłgoraj, Zamojska street, next to the Aldik store