Witcher 3 Walks: Velen: Downwarren & Crookback Bog

Downwarren & CrookBack Bog

Breif Description: Gentle walk covering Downwarren, Crookback Bog, Ancient Oak and Ruined Tower.

Time: 5 min at a run, no stops, no monster killing.
            15-40min with stops, looting and monster killing.

Difficulty: Level 15 minimum (not strict). Level 20 recommended.

Starting position: Downwarren sign post.

Today's journey begins at Downwarren;  it's a miserable place but it only features for a couple of seconds during today's walk. From the signpost, head uphill towards the village. The path here forks, and you want to take the left path towards the first house.

Once in Downwarren, take a left, marked by the hanging man (don't worry, he's just a decoration...) This path takes you up the hill, to the highest ground we'll cover today before descending into the murky Crookback bog. Continue along here until you reach a fast flowing river. Sadly, no bridge has been built here yet, but the water is narrow enough to be jumped if necessary.


Head straight on, and you'll find a broken bridge. The bridge currently awaits repair, and will need
to be jumped. This spot affords a fantastic view of the bog below, and the infamous bald mountain is also visible in the distance.

You should next arrive at a small fork, marked by a rock on the left. For now, you want to continue right, uphill, since the left path becomes a dead end. Along this stretch, there is the potential to run into a wyvern; lower level people may want to sprint here for a short while.

Continue along the path until you arrive at yet another fork, this time marked with a tree-stump. This location marks the start of our decent into Crookback Bog. Take a left here, therefore, down the hill towards the marshland. As you descend, expect company: drowners tend to occupy the next mile or so. You may wish to move swiftly onward without engaging, or alternatively, defeat the beasts in order for a more peaceful walk in the long run. Whatever you decide, take care, as the paths here become ambiguous and, at times, difficult to follow.

Cross a series of small wooden platforms as you continue through the bog. Detours may be necessary at times in order to avoid patches of water. As you go, prepare to face additional drowners and perhaps a foglet, though no real threat is posed by either. As you pass though this area, you should happen across a few ruined buildings, which were claimed by the marsh some time ago. No real loot can be found here, though a quick search may be worth your while. While passing the ruined buildings, look out for a triangular wooden structure ahead of you. As you approach it, you should notice that it is decorated by the skull of a moose. This particular moose was named Charles, and died on this very spot. When you reach Charles, look to the right and head across the small bridge there, casting igni as you do, since the gasses here are unpleasant.

Continue roughly straight on, heading towards more buildings which should now be distantly visible. When you arrive at the buildings, feel free to explore, though be extremely cautious as this is the rumored home of the beautiful crones of the bog! The tallest building on the left is the one of most interest, as it contains an unnerving tapestry, and small looting opportunities. When finished in the village, head between the two largest buildings, behind which you should see a large, gnarled tree. There are no paths here for a short while, though these directions should guide you safely through the area.

Continue past the tree, wading through the water as you do. On the opposite bank of this boggy water, you should see a small fallen tree through a distinct clearing in the greenery. Head towards this tree and, if you are in the right place, you should notice Morley Arrow growing near by. Here, there is the threat of attack from Endregas and Arachas Workers, though if you move quickly, they may be avoided.

(The Ancient Oak)

Now, cast your eyes up and to the right; you should see a large oak tree rising above all others. Head towards it, keeping to the right, away from the water. Shortly, you should notice a small but steep rocky hill. Climb up it, and continue along the top of the miniature cliff-edge, all the time heading for the ancient Oak. When you reach the tree, you may find more Workers, which should be defeated should you want to explore properly. Here, there is the opportunity to venture underneath the Ancient Oak, and explore the underworld there. Otherwise, continue past the base of the tree, and you should see a path crossing your field of view.

Join the path by turning left, as we begin to return towards Downwarren.  Head straight on, keeping to the left of the path. Eventually, you will find a rank corpse on the path. Leave this be (as it's mine), and continue forwards for a few paces where you will discover a shrine. Here, a handful of oreons may be looted. Once done, double back the way you came, and take the left fork at the corpse.

Continue on through the woods. Next, you will happen across another fork in the path, next to a small rock on the right. Keep to the right here, as the left option will most likely lead you into trouble with yet more Arachas Workers.

(Optional - ruined tower)

A short distance from here, you should find a larger fork in the path. You need to take the left path towards Downwarren. If you wish, you may explore the Ruined Tower on your left, which is a short way off the path. Beware though, an Earth Elemental stands guard here, and stands strong at Level 25 (Whatever that means). Otherwise, continue on back into the marshlands.


The path is more distinct here, and you should pass yet more abandoned buildings. Loot at will here, but be discreet as more drowners and other nasties lurk here.

After the buildings, take a left through a small gap in the stone wall. Ahead of you is the signpost where the walk began, and you have now safely explored the vast expanse of Crookback Bog.