The Pustý žleb Gorge on Foot 2026: The Complete Guide to the Sloup–Skalní Mlýn Route (8 km)

Pustý žleb is an 8-kilometre canyon-like valley that descends gently from Sloup to Skalní Mlýn — the entire route follows a red-marked trail along a surfaced tarmac path, making it an easy walk suitable for hikers, pushchairs and cyclists alike. Along the way you’ll pass Čertova branka (a relic of an old cave passage), the entrance to the Amatérská Cave (the longest cave system in the Czech Republic), and, above the valley, the ruins of Blansek Castle. The route can be walked in either direction, and it’s well worth combining with a visit to the Punkva Caves (Punkevní jeskyně) and the Macocha Abyss, both of which lie right beside it.

QUICK LINKS 🥾 Route and how long it takes · 🕳️ What you’ll see along the way · 🚴 On foot, by bike, or with a pushchair · ❓ FAQ

While the caves and the Macocha Abyss draw the crowds, Pustý žleb is, ironically, the most peaceful spot you’ll find right in the heart of the Moravian Karst — even though it runs straight past the region’s most famous sights.

Route and how long it takes

The valley measures roughly 8 kilometres and runs from the village of Sloup gently downhill to Skalní Mlýn. Along its entire length it’s marked with a red trail sign on a well-maintained tarmac path, so it’s passable and easy to walk practically year-round, even after rain. On foot, the route takes 2–2.5 hours; by bike, considerably less.

Most visitors walk it from Sloup down to Skalní Mlýn — this is the more pleasant option, as it’s downhill the whole way. If you’d rather not walk back the same way, there’s also a bus connection between the two ends of the route.

What you’ll see along the way

The canyon’s rock walls conceal around 450 caves — most are short and closed to the public, but the route does pass the artificially cut entrance to the Amatérská Cave, the longest cave system in the Czech Republic. From outside you’ll only see a modest entrance portal; without proper caving equipment, you can’t go any further.

Down in the valley floor, beneath the so-called Salmova stezka path, you’ll come across Čertova branka (“the Devil’s Gate”) — the remains of an old water-carved cave passage, whose originally narrow rock fissure was artificially widened during road construction in the early 20th century. Above the valley, perched on a ridge, stand the ruins of Blansek Castle; the short detour up to it is worth taking if you fancy extending the walk for the view.

The route also passes right by the region’s two biggest draws — the Punkva Caves and the Macocha Abyss — so it’s easy to combine it with a cave visit in a single day.

On foot, by bike, or with a pushchair

Thanks to its flat, tarmac surface, the route is suitable even for pushchairs and less experienced walkers — there’s no demanding climb involved, just a gentle downhill slope towards Skalní Mlýn. This same feature makes it popular with cyclists too — the red trail doubles as a cycle route, so you can ride it on a bike without any trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Pustý žleb and how much time does it take? Approximately 8 km; on foot it takes 2–2.5 hours, and considerably less by bike.

Is the route suitable for pushchairs? Yes, the whole route follows a tarmac path with a gentle slope, with no steps or difficult sections.

Can you cycle through Pustý žleb? Yes, the red trail doubles as a marked cycle route.

What is the Amatérská Cave mentioned along the route? It’s the longest cave system in the Czech Republic — closed to the public, but the Pustý žleb route passes right by its artificially cut entrance portal.

Can the route be combined with a cave visit? Yes, it runs directly past the Punkva Caves and the Macocha Abyss — an ideal combination for a single day out.

Part of the series A Week in the Moravian Karst: A Complete 7-Day Itinerary, and follows on from the Macocha Abyss and the Punkva Caves. Sources: Turistika.cz – Pustý žleb, Wikipedia – Pustý žleb, vylety-zabava.cz – cycle route.