The Davies, Route 7
Muratov Vrah#19 Vlahinski Vrah#20 Gredaro#21
The Davies, Route 7 is one of the more photogenic routes in Pirin. There are many different variations you could try, all of them beautiful! Gredaro climed on the way to Sinanitsa hut then Sinanitsa and Muratov on the way back is a great two day trip. The Davies, route 7 that we have decided on isn’t perfect as it involves a lot of re-tracing your steps but it is the most efficient. You will bag 3 summits for one day and it is almost circular. 7 hours should be plenty of time to complete it.
I have done each of the three peaks seperately, as part of longer days to Sinanitsa hut and as part of the descent from Vihren but not everyone has as much time as we do! From Gredaro you can descend via the beautiful and rarely visited Gergiyski lakes to Sinanitsa. Muratov can be an adventure on her own via any of her 3 faces or 3 ridges. Vlahinski Vrah is probably only worth climbing as part of this route, she is difficult to access and debatable as to if she is a peak at all!!
Starting at Vihren hut, follow the main blue and white / yellow and white trail markers that head south from the hut. Do not cross the river, keep to the west bank. The first section through the meadows is particularly beautiful in the early summer when the retreating snow gives way to an explosion of spring flowers. The trail climbs to Muratovo lake where you will leave it. The lake is wonderfully photogenic and offers some great views north to Bansko and east to the Todorka ridge.
From the south side of the lake facing north Hvoinati is in front of you and Muratov is to your left. There is a steep gully that climbs to the ridge between the two peaks. head up the gully aiming for the lowest point. The pass over the ridge is called Vlahinski Preval or Vinarski Preslap. From here you will have you first view of Gredaro. Pause here to plan your route. You will see a green strip of grass that goes all the way from the summit down to the lake. This is the way up. The more logical route along the south east ridge is densely covered in klek and boulders, this is not a viable option.
You can either drop down to the lake and joing the grassy strip from the lake side or cut through the boulder fields keeping as high as possible to save the descent and consequential ascent. Di and I prefer the boulder field. Once you hit the grassy patch it is a steep pull until about half way up. Now start tracking left as you ascend, you should aim for a clearing on the south east ridge. This way you will avoid steep sections of loose rock. From the clearing follow the ridge lin up to the summit. Fantastic views south and west over the many lakes are a delight.
Retrace your steps to the clearing, drop down the north east face. Make your way across the face, this is a tiresome and awkward traverse that ends at the col leading to Gergiyski lakes. The minor peak we have called Valhinski Vrah rears up ahead of you. Skirt round and up keeping to the left (north east) face. Ascend to the summit. From the top you drop down the south east face through rough rocks and boulders, take care here! From the lowest point between the two peaks it is a steep climb/scramble up the west ridge of Muratov Vrah.
From the summit of Muratov Vrah you can see nearly every mountain in Pirin, enjoy it! You have earned a break! The descent down the south east ridge is easy and on a clear trail. At the pass below Muratov peak you will join the blue and white /yellow and white trail markers. From here it is a steep but easy descent back to the lake and thus back to Vihren hut. It is worth knowing the below Vihren Hut is the Bunderitsa campsite where a local family run the most fantastic BBQ restaurant.
