The Lake Trail in Pape Nature Park makes a roughly 32-kilometre loop around Lake Pape in southwestern Latvia. It starts by the Pape canal in the village of Pape, where a route description and map are available. This is no smooth paved promenade: gravel roads, forest tracks and mown paths alternate, making a mountain bike the more suitable choice.
The ride is about varied scenery. Around the lake, visitors can see floodplain meadows, pine and alder woodland, birdwatching spots and Pape lighthouse. It is best approached as an unhurried nature ride rather than a speed workout; places to rest near the lake offer a chance to stop and take in the surroundings.
The park recommends visiting between May and October. Some sections north and south of the lake can be wet in spring and autumn, so check the weather and allow extra time for difficult ground. The trail is marked with pedestrian pictograms, and carrying a route map is useful.