WALKING IN THE SLOVAKIAN TATRAS

Day 1
Fly to Krakow; we then transfer from Poland across the border into Slovakia to Stary Smokovec. This charming town is right at the foot of the High Tatra mountain range. Our base for the week is in Hriebienok, a picturesque location in the hills above the main town at 1285m. It has been one of the main attractions for visitors to the High Tatras for the last 100 years and is a traditional starting point for many High Tatras walks.

Day 2
Today is a great introduction to the area, exploring the hills around our pension. Our first stop is at the Reinerova Chata, the oldest high mountain tourist hut in the Tatras; it was saved and reconstructed in 1983. We then visit the beautiful waterfalls of Studeny Potok, where the white foamed water descends 20m between two large rocks. These waterfalls are among the most frequently visited in the Tatras and form a complex system of multi-terraced cascades. From here we climb past the Zamkovskeho Chata and on to the highest permanently occupied mountain hut in the Tatra's; the Teryho Chata (2015m) which looks like a stone castle from a distance. After a rewarding drink we return all the way back down to our pension.

Day 3
Today we will take a part of the most famous walking route in the Tatras; the Tatranska Magistrala. The path ascends moderately, then gets steeper. There are beautiful views of the Slavkovsky stit peak (2452m) on the right and the basin on the left. At the end of the valley at an altitude 2040m there are another two lakes (Szontaghovo lakes) bearing the name of the founder of Stary Smokovec. We will continue the route over the Senna Kopa mountain, beyond which the Magistrala slightly descends to the Velicka valley. Here we will find Velicke Pleso lake, Mountain Hotel Sliezsky Dom (1670 m) and the 15 m high Velicky Vodopad waterfall. After taking refreshment in the hotel we will decide on one of the three return options.

Day 4
Again we will take the Tatranska Magistrala hiking path, but this time heading north to the Skalnate Pleso lake. On the route we will pass Skalnata Chata. Originally, it was a mountain hut built of stone, and was made famous for its history of mountain carriers. These traditional porters still carry huge loads up and down the mountains in order to stock the many high altitude mountain huts. The national nature reserve of Skalnata Dolina valley (with Skalnate pleso lake) belongs to the smallest of the Tatra valleys, but as far as beauty is concerned it can compete with any of them. Its principal assets are the incomparable peaks of Lomnicky stit and Kezmarsky peak. The destinations above the Skalnate lake are protected and are not accessible to hikers. From here we can enjoy excellent views of these peaks towering above. Another few minutes walk from the lake is the observatory of the Institure of Astronomy. We complete the walk by returning to Hrebienok.

Day 5
Today we walk from Hrebienok to the Zamkovskeho Chata (1475m), Teryho Chata (2015m) and Zbojnicka Chata (1960m) mountain huts. We will walk on a stony path through Mala Studena valley. The rocks of the upper part of valley acquire dramatic forms. After the demanding ascent to Teryho Chata we can rest and admire the fascinating views of dramatic rocky peaks around us. The idea to build a tourist cottage at the upper terrace of Mala Studena valley was fathered by the famous pioneer of Tatra mountaineering, Dr. Tery. He was known as the 'physician of the poor'. From Teryho to the Zbojnicka hut we pass one of the most strenuous paths in the region. The ascent to the priecne sedlo saddle is a 'one way' stretch secured by chains. The Hungarian Forest Association built this small gamekeepers` cottage in 1907. The name 'Zbojnicka' means 'forest robbers', and hails back to the owner`s family history of illegally hunting animals. The most recent reconstruction of the cottage increased its lodging and catering capacity. Zbojnicka cottage is very attractive for visitors and is also often visited outside of the summer season.

Day 6
We aim to end on a high point, as today our goal is the summit of Slavkovsky Stit (2452,4 m). It is one of the most interesting all day trips from Hrebienok and its typical round top is a permanent feature of the mountain scenery around the Smokovec community. This is technically a relatively straightforward walk, but the climb of nearly 1200m makes it an excellent physical challenge and ideal for the final days walk. It will be a full day in the high mountains with approximately 7-8 hours of walking, but with spectacular views that make the effort more than worthwhile. After an initially steady climb past Pat Pramenov (five springs), the path leaves the forest below Slavkovska vyhliadka. This plateau offers a lovely view of the Velka Studena valley. From here the path ascends via a serpentine route to the top of Slavkovsky Stit. This majestic peak was one of the first to be conquered in the region. After enjoying the summit, we return steadily back to Hrebieniok by the same trail.

Day 7
In the morning we transfer back across the border into Poland, to Krakow. The ancient city of Krakow has a magnificent mediaeval centre, with a huge market square - the biggest in Eastern Europe - and several Gothic churches. We take a short tour on foot of the main sights of the old city, including the Mariacki church, Old Market, the Jewish quarter and of course the Royal Castle of Wawel, renowned as the best example of renaissance style on the north side of the Alps. The rest of the day is free for further exploration and to soak up the unique atmosphere of Krakow, Poland's finest city.

Day 8
Fly to London.