Via Alpina Slovenia: Purple Trail: Stage 6 (Roblek-Dobrča)

This stage starts at Roblekov dom below Begunjščica (1,657 m). Signposts indicate the direction to Koča na Prevalu. Descend southeast to the crossroads, where a path branches off across Poljška planina to the village of Begunje. 10 min. Our route turns east across the southern slopes o Begunjščica, then descends towards Preval. To the left, the slopes climb steeply towards the ridge of Begunjščica and its highest peak Veliki vrh (2,060 m), and to the right there is a view of the valley, Bled and its lake, and Radovljica, birthplace of Slovene writer A.T. Linhart. The Skofja Loka hills can be seen in the background. There is a wealth of Alpine flora along the route. Follow the path down to road from Poljška planina. Close by is the Roža stream, offering a refreshing drink of pure mountain water. 50 min.

Follow the road eastwards for 15 minutes to Preval. 1h 15 min from Roblekov dom. Preval (1,311 m) is a broad pass connecting Begunjščica and Dobrča. There is a shepherd's hut here where home made dairy products are served. Preval also marks the border between the Karawanken mountain range and the Kamnik Alps. Alternative: From Roblekov dom, follow the Slovene balcony trail to Preval via Veliki vrh. The route runs along a ridge and includes a difficult descent. Caution is advised because most of the route crosses a steep and grassy terrain.

There is a danger of slipping when the grass is wet. Rejoin the VA route at Preval, then follow the Slovene balcony trail. Climb up along the edge of the wood to a small pass. After a short descent, climb up a steep slope to Čisovec (1,418 m), and along its south-eastern slopes. Continue walking along the ridge. To the left are numerous rocky outcrops and scree slopes known as Šobrove čeri. There follows a rather steep descent to the Vrh Luž pass (1,202 m). 1h15 min. The deep ravine of the Beli stream winds to the east, and the ravine of the Črni stream winds to west. From Preval, climb up the steep slope through woods and pass along the eastern side of a small peak. A relatively level footpath runs along the ridge and past the Sivora peak (1,310 m) to a sign on a tree pointing out a nearby stream. Climb up the steep western slope of Dobrča.

After the climb, the path levels out and leads to Podgorska planina pasture. Cross the pasture and go through the wood to Koča na Dobrči. 1h. It is a 2h 15 min walk from Preval. Dobrča is a broad mountain in the western part of the Kamnik Savinja Alps. Although it is not particularly high, it offers a good view. According to one explanation, its name is derived from the Old Slavonic word "dobr"; meaning oak. The hut lies at the edge of the steep southern slope.