Chuchle Grove Long Run

Chuchle Grove Long Run: Trails, Fossils and Flow

Chuchle Grove is my playground for hill repeats and intervals—as well as a scenic long run route that winds past the Vltava River and Barrandov Rocks. With plenty of options for loops and reps, it’s perfect for stacking up those training miles.

What to Expect?

This one’s a proper mixed bag: forest climbs, open hilltops, scenic descents, and even some quiet riverside stretches. Expect runnable dirt paths, short rocky climbs, and a good mix of forest shade and open views.

Highlights:

Vltava Riverside Warm-Up – a gentle intro before the hills start biting.

St. Mary’s Spring – natural spring + peaceful shrine = ideal trail pause.

Church of St. John of Nepomuk – your first high point with serious views.

Chuchelský háj Nature Trail – forest paths dotted with educational panels.

Homolka Summit – wide open space and panoramas over the Barrandian Basin.

Velká Chuchle Descent – a scenic way to finish, looping you back to the river.

A Trail Through Deep Time

Nestled in the Barrandian Basin, Chuchle Grove sits on ancient sedimentary rock layers from the Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian periods—over 400 million years old. This geological goldmine is packed with marine fossils like trilobites and brachiopods.

French paleontologist Joachim Barrande studied this region in the 19th century, and the area now bears his name. The nearby Velká Chuchle Quarry is a globally recognised reference point for the Devonian period’s Pragian Stage. Serious history beneath your feet.

Starting the Climb

We start the run in Braník, Prague 4—easy to reach by car or public transport. After crossing the Barrandov bridge, we head south on the yellow trail for 3k, arriving at the trailhead in Malá Chuchle. 

The climb begins immediately. Though well-maintained, the trail gets steep in sections. Just a few hundred metres in, you’ll see St. Mary’s Spring flowing gently in the valley. 

St. Mary’s Spring: A Trail Blessing

Hidden beneath the trees, this natural spring is a quiet gift—offering cool, clean water that’s especially welcome on hot days. Next to it, a small Christian shrine to the Virgin Mary adds a touch of soul and stillness. 

Trail running meets sacred pause. You’re not the first to find solace here.

Baroque Heights

The first high point of the route, 8k and 200m in, is the Baroque Church of Saint John of Nepomuk, offering sweeping views over the Vltava valley. It’s a striking spot—and a satisfying summit goal.


From there, the trail flows into Chuchelský háj (Chuchle Grove), a forested haven rich in flora, fauna, and history. With 14 educational posts along the way, the nature trail adds an extra layer of context as you run. 

The village of Chuchle was first recorded in 1132. By 1292, it was under the stewardship of the Zbraslav Monastery, adding a deep historical thread to this landscape.

Up to Homolka

Our second summit is Homolka, 10k in and sitting just over 300m. The terrain opens up here—forest gives way to open meadows and undulating hills. 



It’s a modest peak, but one that feels big—especially when you realise you’re only a few kilometres from Prague’s city centre.

At the top, rocky outcrops offer a full panoramic view of the Barrandian Basin.

Back Toward the River

From Homolka, you’ve got options: keep looping through the Grove for more hill work, or descend via Velká Chuchle, following the river’s edge and crossing back over the Vltava via two bridges.

On the return leg, look across the river and you’ll spot the Baroque church perched on the ridge—your earlier summit watching you from afar. 

Trail Tips

Water: St. Mary’s Spring is your only refill spot—worth a stop.

Shoes: Trail shoes help, especially on the rocky climbs and fast descents.

Pacing: This one’s great for mixing intervals or hill reps—play with the terrain!

Navigation: Trails are well marked, but if you’re looping creatively, a GPS app help.

Timing: Early mornings are magic—quiet trails, long light, and fewer hikers.

Elevation Profile

Distance: 23k

Elevation Gain: 490 m

Start Point: Braník (Prague 4), tram stop Pobřežní cesta (request stop)

Route Highlights: Vltava River, St. Mary’s Spring, Chuchelský háj, Church of St. John of Nepomuk, Homolka, Velká Chuchle



With 498m of ascent (and descent), Chuchle Grove is a rewarding run—ideal for both long sessions and interval work. And with St. Mary’s Spring providing trail-side hydration, it’s easy to keep the flow going. 

Up for a challenge? Here's how I plan and survive my long runs!

Location: Přírodní park Radotínsko-Chuchelský háj, 154 00 Praha, Czechia

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