01MN58: Runcu - Vârful Leaota - Podu Dâmboviţei

From the center of Runcu village, follow the forest road on Ialomicioara Valley for 8.7 km to the monastery dedicatd to the Dormition of the Mother of God. Climb 620 meters on the road along Marginea Domneasca stream and then turn right on the forest road for about two hours to the former Leaota Hut (1,320 m). From here follow the road through the forest to the sheepfold (about 15 minutes) and then further to Romanescu Peak. Continue along the ridge road below Frumuselu and Vaca peaks to Tancava Saddle and then below Leaota Peak (2,133 m) and climb it directly (below Leaota there is a variant that follows the dirt road on the contour line in the slight ascent below the peak, to Ratei edge, below the lake on the ridge). Continue on the road about 1.5 km in the area of Leaota Ridge, descend past Mitarca (1,829 m), Jugureanu (1,787 m), Secarile Mici (1,767 m) and Secarile Mari (1,889 m) to Fiarelor Saddle (1,794 m). Walk down on the western side of Santilia Mare Peak to the saddle below Santilia Mica, walk around the peak on the contour line and, when you are at an elevation of about 1,520 m (on Zacotelor Ridge), turn left descending on a dirt road to Crov Valley (about 220 m). Follow Crov Gorge to Cheia Valley and then follow the forest road to the left through Cheia Gorge for about 4.5 kilometers to DN73 national road (information board) and then another 500 meters on the main road to the center of the village.