Lermon - Kolsebro - Falerum, Tjustleden etapp 9

**Stage 9, completed in 1987, crosses and runs along beautiful Uknadalen - the most dramatic of the valleys through which the Tjust Trail passes.

Trail description south to north (Lermon to Falerum)

Stage 9, completed in 1987, crosses and runs along Uknadalen. This is perhaps the most beautiful and dramatic of the valleys through which the Tjust Trail passes. A large precipitation area is drained by the deep valley's lake and river system. There are highways and railroads here. The valley floor is farmed, and there are several interesting villages and ancient monuments. The mountain ridges offer fine views.

The stage begins on pleasant forest roads. In the hollow before the junction with Ukna, the scabious (skäfte) grows. It has been used for scouring and polishing wood and metal. The trail follows the hill north to Kolsebro village. Here the houses are placed in a row and the farm buildings (dwellings) are on the south side of the road and the farm buildings on the north. The village was parceled out in 1851-52, the oldest building is from the 1860s and the village has great cultural-historical value. The bridge over Storån, Kolsebron, is a beautiful old structure. The large arch bridge is built of natural stone, without the use of sealants.

The trail then winds steeply up the mountain, which here has a mighty precipice towards the valley. Once up, you have a fantastic view. You see two churches and have a beautiful view of the valley and its villages. Continuing on, you should make a small detour to the judge's rings with powerful, erected stones located just south of the trail. The Tjust Trail then follows a nice old road along and up the mountainside for long stretches. Several village names end here in hammar. This refers to the valley's so marked cliffs and mountain heights. Stjälkhammar, below the trail, is located on a very old settlement where people have lived for over 1000 years! This is confirmed by a burial ground nearby that dates to the Viking Age.

The trail continues on easy forest roads towards the Östgötag border. At the northeastern shore of Åkervristen you can swim and you are soon in Falerum. The Tjust Trail connects here to the Östgötal Trail.

Ukna The connecting trail to Ukna is just under 4 kilometers, where there is a general store. It first follows the northern slope of a side valley to Uknadalen, crosses the watercourse, the railroad and then you find a faithful servant: When the Gränsö canal was restored in 1873-74, a new rolling bridge was also built over the canal. This bridge was then in operation for 110 years! In 1984, a new, fixed concrete bridge was built and then the old bridge was bought to be placed over Storån.

The trail then follows the old road and up the hill to Ukna old medieval church ruins. The place is very beautiful with a brilliant view of Uknadalen. There used to be a cross-adorned Christian rune stone here with a long inscription, like a prayer over a Torgils. It can now be seen in the new Ukna church.

The connecting trail then continues on smaller roads up to Ukna, including a general store. Along the route you have a nice view of Uknadalen.

Text: The Nature Conservation Association in Tjust