Msta River Valley

The Msta is a main oblast river: rises in Valday Hills bogs and flows north through Borovichi into the Lovat. The valley was a trade corridor between Novgorod, Tver and Petersburg — villages, mills and landings on the banks. Today the Msta valley mixes fields, forest and small settlements with stone and wooden churches. Paved roads do not run everywhere by the water; much of the route uses secondary roads with river views from bridges and ridges. No single «nature park» along the Msta, but you can plan a day drive: Borovichi — villages — bridges — turn toward Valday. Fishing and swimming at allowed village spots — check rules locally. The Msta valley links industrial Borovichi and resort Valday — two faces of the oblast. For river Russia without a excursion tour.