Erma River Gorge

The Erma comes out of Serbia and cuts a narrow gorge through limestone near the town of Tran, and a walking route follows it on a path cut into the rock ledges above the water, with sections carried on metal walkways and hanging bridges bolted to the cliff, passing through the tightest part where the walls close to a few metres. The route is about two kilometres and takes an hour or two, with the river running below throughout and a small chapel at the entrance. It is one of the more spectacular short walks in western Bulgaria and it is free and unstaffed. The walkways were rebuilt in the 2010s. Water levels rise sharply after rain and parts of the route flood.

What you actually see

• Walkways bolted to the cliff - the path carried on the rock face.
• The narrows - the section where the walls close to a few metres.
• Hanging bridges - crossings over the water on the route.
• The gorge chapel - the small church at the entrance.

When to go

April to October; the route is slippery and can flood in wet weather. Half a day. Spring brings the strongest water. Weekends bring walkers from Sofia. The road to Tran is slow.

Honest expectations

Walkways are exposed with drops and are slippery when wet. Sections flood after rain and the route closes. There are no railings in places. It is close to the border and there is nothing else nearby.

Nearby

Tran is the nearest town; the Serbian border runs up the valley.