Vršič Pass to Trenta

Thursday, 19th July 2012

Distance: 8 miles
Total Ascent: 840 feet
Total Descent: 3,700 feet
Maximum Altitude: 5,291 feet
Time: 5 hours
Weather: Sunny and warm all day

 

Again we took the bus to the top of the Vršič pass but this time followed a path down through trees on the other side. This was mainly a good path with tantalising views through the trees until we finally emerged near the bottom. A short road walk took us to the Koča pri Izviru Soca - the Hut near the Spring of Soca. Before stopping there for lunch we decided to walk up to the source of the Soca, a partly cabled route, then returned to find the the C+ group had arrived. Our route then took us alongside the Soca to reach the road that climbs over the Vršič Pass. Here we found the monument to Dr. Julius Kugy who is credited with discovering the Julian Alps. The sculpture by Jakob Savinšek shows him turned towards Jalovek, one of his favourite mountains. From here we made our way into the Mlinarica Gorge which was very impressive but difficult to photograph. A detour then took us to the Alpine Garden before continuing on our way beside the River Soca. Leaving the river for a short time we tackled a short ascent before dropping down into Trenta to catch the bus back to Kranjska Gora.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

I don't think we'll attempt this bridge

 

A pleasant section of the path . . .

 

where we sometimes get views down the valley

 

The path takes us close to the Limarica . . .

 

before reaching some summer houses . . .

 

in a secluded setting

 

The top end of the cabled pathway with the source of the Soca on the left of the photo

 

Returning down the early section

 

A slight detour reveals . . .

 

the early part of the Soca

 

Eating lunch beside the Soca . . .

 

gives time for a 'footspa'

 

The sculpture of . . .

 

Dr Julius Kugy . . .

 

and the view he is looking towards

 

We  then made our way to . . .

 

the Mlinarica Gorge . . .

 

which was quite difficult to photograph

 

The viewing platform . . .

 

from where we can see the water plunging into pools . . .

 

and a natural rock bridge

 

Walking back down the gorge . . .

 

we cross a wobbly swing bridge . . .

 

where the water is crystal clear

 

A short road walk takes us to the Alpine Gardens . . .

 

but it is a bit breezy . . .

 

to get really good photos . . .

 

of the few plants . . .

 

that are in flower . . .

 

at the moment

 

Then a butterfly decides to pose for the camera

 

Another bridge that has had its day . . .

 

as we walk through the trees to Trenta

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