The Galkino Swamp trail is located on the territory of the Ugra National Park, in the northern part of the Galkino Forest. The beginning of the trail is located near the village of Galkino. Here you can go to the edge of the Galkino swamp, and then go to the Buchkov swamp. Previously, industrial peat extraction was carried out here, but now it is a protected natural place.
Galkino swamp is located on the way to the Nikola-Lenivets Art Park (20 km away). Most visitors do not stop at the swamp, just go to see the art objects of the Nikola-Lenivets Park. However, if you have about an hour of time, then we advise you to make a stop and see the Galkino swamp. The length of the entire circular route of the trail between the Galkino and Buchko swamps is 2 kilometers, however, you can drive up to the Galkino swamp almost closely by car and there the distance for a walk will not exceed 300 meters.
Galkino swamp is a nesting place for various species of birds. There are many rare plants growing here. Well, in general, it`s interesting to see the swamp from an equipped trail. After passing the houses of the village of Galkino, park on its northern outskirts. The last 2 km of the road does not have an asphalt surface, but it is quite passable for all cars. Near the stand you will see a plan of the circular route of the trail to the Galkino swamp.
A wooden deck has been built on the trail at the last hundred meters near the Galkin swamp, since it is damp here most of the year. A high observation deck has been built on the trail at the edge of the swamp. From there you can see all the surroundings of a fairly large swamp. Wooden decking has been laid from the observation deck along the swamp. You will be able to go directly to the swampy marshes.
Some places of the Galkino swamp can be called the "upper swamp". This means that a dense layer of moss has already formed on the surface, which can withstand the weight of a person. You can walk on it, but it`s very dangerous. Other places are the classic "grassroots swamp". They are flooded with water and the moss layer is very thin, it is impossible to walk on them. However, in these places it is unlikely that anyone would think of getting off the wooden deck.
There are four viewing platforms on the edge of the Galkino swamp. They are called: "The Kingdom of the water", "Bird freedom", " Types of duckweed" and "Swamp landscape". These places will allow you to get acquainted with the ecology of the wetlands and see different types of swamps. After that, you need to return to the beginning of the trail and then go to the Galkino forest.
The trail runs along the edge of the forest. Near the right turn, you need to enter the forest. There is a large colony of ants living here. The height of most anthills reaches about 1 meter and even higher. This stop on the trail is called the "Green Hiding Place". Next you have to go to Buchkovo swamp.
Buchkovo swamp in the past was a quarry where industrial peat extraction was carried out. Now it looks like a picturesque lake in a deep forest, and its edges are overgrown with reeds. In the center there is a strip of land covered with moss, on which several pine trees grow.
If you go on a trail in the summer, then it is absolutely necessary to dress in clothes with long sleeves and trousers. There are a lot of mosquitoes and horseflies here in summer. If you wear a T-shirt and shorts, you won`t be able to stand it for long.
