The trip will begin at the top
of Stojni mountain in the middle of the pine forest where a cosy
mountain lodge under the auspices of the Kočevje Alpine Society is
located. Benches are situated around the area for weary travellers as
well as ties for horses. Nearby, the murmur of the Jelenov spring can be
heard. Here we can rest partaking of home-made delicacies prior to
commencing the all-day ride.
We will continue along the
forest road into the valley. If we turn off a bit from the planned route
we can visit Elenor’s Cave, just another demonstration of the Karst
world here and ride past the Strmec primeval forest of Kočevje. We will
ride below Slovenski vrh towards Jasnica. From here we will set off to
the village Rakitnica. Events alongside the traditional charcoal pits
are held here at the end of May and beginning of June.
The source of the Rakitnica
underground stream which turns into a lake following strong rains is
located not to far away.
The next villages awaiting us
are Dolenja vas and Prigorica. They are know for their pottery craft. We
will take a short break at one of the pottery stands or at the nearby
inn. A traditional foot race is held in these villages on the first
Saturday of July named the “Pottery Run”.
The trail continues along the
edge of the Dolenja vas plain with the murmur of the Ribnica River as
accompaniment. We will ride past the Ugar Estate where the FEI world cup
is held each year in September. We will turn right towards the villages
Goriča vas and Nemška vas before the town of Ribnica. We can also opt
for a tour of the town Ribnica and its castle, the Miklova hiša museum
and Church of St. Stephen. Numerous culinary offers are available here.
You are especially invited to Ribnica during the Ribnica Fair of
Woodenware and Pottery held the first Sunday of each September.
We will then continue past the
village Hrovača where the Škrabčev Homestead is located. The villagers
hold various ethological and tourist events here throughout the year
with Bean Day among the most famous, held the second Saturday of each
September.
Our route will gradually
conclude as we ride across the Dolenje vas plain. We will also ride
through the Otavica and Lipovec villages. We will stop for the last time
in Lipovec and view Ribnica woodenware craft articles marked with their
geographical origin.
Following the break, we will
ride back along the old Roman road and at the dry bank of the Rinža
underground stream, return past the villages Ložina, Koblarija, Stara
cerkev and Gorenje and conclude our trip at the starting point Mlaka
where we will say our goodbyes to the horses and guide.
Additional information about
the trail:
