UKC

I'm thinking of hiking along the Balkans to Black Sea.  Flying from UK to Sofia.

That's wonderful! Let us all know how you get on.

Beautiful country. I lived in Sofia from 73 to 76 when it was under the Soviets and the surrounding countryside was still farmed with medieval methods. Are you starting the hills from Vitosha? If so, do pop in to Boyana church to see the stunning frescos, and visit Dragalevtsi Monastery, if you get a chance. 

Tremendous granite round about there, and the loveliest smell of mountain herbs on the grassy summit slopes in summer.

That must have been an amazing experience. I visited last October, and though in Europe, it felt so different.

I traveled on the Train to Istanbul, but TBH I felt less at home in Sofia, in a good way.

Thanks to everyone who replied.  My current plan is to fly to Sofia then public transport to near where the mountains begin.  In the meantime I'll try to find a flight from East Midlands to Sofia.

Fantastic! I'm a Bulgarian living in the UK, although I have never done this trek, I have some friends who have. 

You are more than welcome to message me if you need any local knowledge or tips on local public transport or anything at all. 

Have an amazing time!

Sorry my last post could have been more helpful.

When I was in Bulgaria, a tour guide mentioned a long distance trail that traversed the entire, I assume Balkan mountain range, so what you want to do is a thing. A little googling suggests it is called the “Kom-Emime” and is also part of the European Route E3. 
The Bulgarian part of E3 route is 720 km long and follows the main ridge of Balkan Mountains from Mount Kom at the border with Serbia to the Black Sea coast – Cape Emine. It is actually the first and most popular long distance walking route in Bulgaria, simply known as “Kom-Emine”. Crossed for a first time in 1933, it become extremely popular during communist times, when large organized groups used to cross this route in summer. In this period it was known as part of the “Fellowship Route” between the countries from the ex-communist block. Most people manage to cross it for a period of 20-25 days.

https://bulguides.com/european-long-distance-walking-routes-in-bulgaria/

You could do worse than PM zv and ask them to contact their friends for more information.

I would highly recommend a visit to Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia and there is a walking tour of Sofia  focusing on the Communist times. Doing this may give you a little understanding of the background of this fascinating country. Though it is in Europe, its seems very different to Western Europe. I suspect the walk could be very interesting, Bulgaria is undergoing one of the steepest drops in population if not the World, certainly Europe, so is a changing country and traveling through the rural areas and smaller towns may be very interesting.

Hmm, I could be talking myself into returning to Bulgaria.

This is great.  My plan is to go with my step-daughter.  From Sofia take a bus or train to Kazanlak then start walking to the Black Sea.  We would go the first or second week of July. We have a concert at the RAH in London on June 26.

I think I have to walk along the Balkans, it takes about 45 hours non-stop.  From Sofia, a bus ride, to Kazanlak, then walk to a city, Varna or Burgos on the Black Sea.  So to break that down into around seven days makes about 6 hrs per day, or about 18 km per day.  I think the walk is about 125 km.

Any recommendations of whether to go to Varna or Burgos?