Hălmeag - Șinca Nouă

The trail starts in Hălmeag and descends toward the Olt River, then crosses rural areas and local roads toward Șercaia. After leaving the village, the path avoids part of the asphalt and continues along field roads beside the Șercaia and Scurta rivers, passing through a peaceful agricultural landscape of cultivated fields and scattered villages. From Vad, the route continues toward Șinca Veche, following the river and passing homes and local cultural landmarks. It then climbs toward the Rock Monastery of Șinca Veche, an important spiritual site and one of the area’s best-known attractions. After this visit, the trail continues along boundary roads and across the floodplain, skirting the village of Vâlcea before returning toward the Șercaia River. The final part of the stage follows the national road for a short stretch, then enters the old railway embankment built in 1908, now used as a forest track. The route continues in the shade of the woods and eventually reaches the impressive Podul Ilii Viaduct, one of the highlights of the day. From here, the trail gently descends into Șinca Nouă.