Prokop Valley Long Run

Prokop Valley Long Run: Where Nature and History Converge

Prokop Valley is my go-to when I want to escape Prague without really leaving. With 17k of winding trails, 350m of elevation gain, and a route full of legends, cliffs, and quiet streams, it’s one of the most rewarding loops in the city. 

Named after Saint Prokop—a hermit turned abbot who supposedly lived here in the 11th century—the valley is steeped in history. The cave where he once dwelled was sadly lost to 19th-century quarrying, but the sense of timelessness lingers.

The trail hugs the gentle curves of the Dalejský Stream, leading you through shaded forest paths, sunlit meadows, and striking rock outcrops. The terrain keeps changing—enough to stay interesting but still runnable throughout.

What to Expect?

Expect a moderate challenge: runnable climbs, flowing descents, and a good mix of trail surfaces—perfect for hill repeats, intervals, or a relaxed long run.

Highlights:

Butovické hradiště – An ancient fortified settlement with panoramic views over the valley.

Děvín Hill – Part of the Dívčí hrady (“Maidens’ Castles”) range, rich with folklore.

Hlubočepské jezírko – A tranquil lake set in a dramatic former quarry.

Prokop Quarry – Steeped in geological history and local legend.

Ascend to Děvín hradiště

From the Hlubočepy tram stop, enter the lush Prokopské údolí. Right away, you’re climbing. It’s short, steep, and absolutely worth it. At the top, Děvín Hill opens up with killer views of Prague and the valley. 

A short but steep climb rewards you with expansive views opening up on the wonderful Děvín Hill.

Traverse Děvín Hill

Děvín Hill isn’t just scenic—it’s legendary. 


According to the tale of the Maidens’ War, a group of warrior women led by Vlasta rebelled against male rule, building a fortress here from which they waged battle. Whether myth or metaphor, it adds a dramatic backdrop to the climb.


Incorporating Děvín Hill into your Prokop Valley Long Run offers more than just a physical challenge; it provides a journey through layers of history and myth. As you ascend, consider the tales of warrior maidens and ancient fortresses, enriching your run with a sense of connection to the past.

Hlubočepské Jezírko–Prague’s Secret Lake

Nestled beneath limestone cliffs, this peaceful lake was born when the abandoned quarry filled with groundwater. It’s a local hidden gem—clear water, towering rocks, and a quiet, wild feel despite being so close to the city. 

The juxtaposition of raw rock, clear water, and lush greenery makes it feel like a forgotten world. You might spot herons, ducks, or the occasional brave climber scaling the nearby rock faces. It’s become a bit of a cult spot among locals—quiet, picturesque, and surprisingly wild for somewhere so close to the city.

For trail runners like you, it’s an ideal mid-route pause or photo op—a refreshing visual and spiritual break.

Prokop Quarry

Named after Saint Prokop, the quarry is a striking reminder of Prague’s ancient roots. The limestone here is over 400 million years old, rich in fossils of trilobites and brachiopods. The massive quarry walls create a shaded, echoey atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re running through a cathedral of stone.


The quarry walls tower dramatically over the trail, creating a cool, shaded microclimate in summer, and offering fantastic acoustics if you yell something inspirational (or just curse that last hill). It’s a real highlight of any route through Prokop Valley—a reminder that you’re not just running through a park, but across the pages of Earth’s history.

From here, either retrace your steps or loop back via side trails that reconnect with Hlubočepy. It’s flexible—mix it up depending on how your legs feel.

Trail Tips

Water: Bring enough—refill options are limited.

Shoes: Trail shoes help on the steeper, rockier parts.

Navigation: The main trail is well-marked, but GPS or a map helps if you plan to explore offshoots.

Timing: Early mornings or weekdays = fewer people, more magic.

Elevation Profile

Distance: 17k

Elevation Gain: 350m

Starting Point: Hlubočepy tram stop (Prague 5)

Route Highlights: Prokop Valley, Dalejský Stream, Butovické hradiště, Děvín Hill, Hlubočepské Jezírko, Prokop Quarry


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


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Modřany Gully Long Run

Image
Modřany Gully Long Run:  Wild, Challenging, and just outside Prague Modřany Gully (Modřanská rokle) is my go-to long run  — this gorgeous nature reserve sits just south of Prague, with the trailhead outside Zbraslav on the east bank of the Vltava, around nine kilometres downstream from the city. What to Expect? This one’s a proper challenge—technical climbs, runnable descents, and a mix of surfaces: forest singletrack, packed dirt, loose clay shale, and rocky sections to keep you on your toes. Key highlights : Vltava Riverside Trail – A calm, flat start along the river, perfect for easing into the run. Quiet, partly shaded, and very runnable. Ascent to Hradiště – The first proper climb. It’s steep and scrambly in parts, but the views pay dividends. Hradiště Observation Tower – A 360° panorama over Modřany Gully. Total photo op. Hálkův Memorial – A stone monument in the forest, dedicated to Czech poet Vítězslav Hálek—worth a quiet pause. Šance Climb & Ravine – A wild, rugg...
Read more

Chuchle Grove Long Run

Image
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 T...
Read more

What I Learned From 30 Years of Trail Running?

Image
After decades of moving through forests, hills, and winding paths, I’ve learned that trail running isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life These are my biggest takeaways  from 30 years on the trail.  Inner-calm Whenever I step into a forest or nature reserve, it feels like an enormous weight is being lifted from my shoulders. I always take a moment to savour that feeling, and to thoroughly enjoy nature in that moment, marvelling at its calming grace.  This is where the noise fades. I’ve learned that my connection with nature runs deep, it allows me to decrease my stress levels without thinking about it. No need to meditate, practice mindfulness or stop thinking consciously, if I spend enough time in nature, it comes to me, like returning home after a business trip.  There's something deeply primordial about stepping onto an epic trail, knowing that through the millennia, countless people have taken the same steps, history has been made, civilisations thrived and l...
Read more

New to Trails? Let’s Make a Plan

Tell me about your running, I can help you build a plan to get in shape for a long run adventure.

Already a Trail Runner?

Great! Let's hit the trails and rack up some kilometres together.

Ready? Let's Get Running

Name

Email *

Message *

Trail Running FlexiPlan - Train Smarter, Run Farther

This isn’t your average spreadsheet. It’s a living, breathing training companion designed to help you build endurance, strength, and stoke—all while keeping things flexible. Life gets messy. This plan lets you roll with it.
Important: Training plans assume a certain base level of health and fitness. If you’re unsure about yours, check in with a qualified medical professional before launching into heroic hill reps or tempo chaos.