Three Waters – Sedlo Poľany – Chopok
We had some work, but the summer in September this year was relentless. Blue sky, no wind and ripe cranberries were strong attractions. However, we didn't have much time to escape, so the choice was obvious. Via Poľana for strudel on Chopok.
We started on the already notorious route towards Vrbické ples and continued on to Tri Vody. No, not the three snow-covered lakes that you'll pass and think that's enough for today and I can sit on the terrace somewhere with a beer in my hand... But the Tri Vody signpost, which you can get to by a leisurely walk to the watch. The walk leads through a very pleasant valley with a gurgling stream. When you arrive at this intersection, you have two options. Turn left in the direction of Brhhliská, which we recommend as a pleasant walk, from where you can easily go down the slope again to Jasná. We recommend this as a family hike with children, or for people with reduced fitness, etc.
We continue at a high pace to the right below the Poľana saddle. We gradually rise above the forest zone. The road continues to rise evenly, the valley opens up and we enjoy the entire ridge of Derešov, Poľana and Bory.
He sat down the summer trail begins to zigzag and our breath also signals to us that the road climbs much steeper and we need to slow down. The last serpentine and we are in the saddle. Here you have to prepare for a bit of wind, so we descend a little lower to the leeward side and enjoy the view of Skalka and the path of the SNP heroes, which leads to Chabenec.
It took us about 1,5 hours to get to the saddle from the hotel, but at a brisk pace, such a standard estimate could be approximately 2,5 hours at a leisurely pace. We feed on ripe cranberries and set off along the path of SNP heroes in the direction of Chopok. If the fog catches you, this road is well marked with pole winter markings, there are a few climbs on it, but basically it can be characterized as a walk.
When you leave the saddle in the direction of Chopok, always keep your eyes on the stop sign. You can see entire herds of chamois on the grassy plains here. If this happens to you and you are lucky, you will go quietly and slowly, so they will let you pass even through the resting herd. We were not so lucky this time, but we enjoyed the peace of the summer all the more. We arrive at Kamienka in time, drink this lunchtime snack with one shot and go back to work, but by cable car J. Yes, there is also this option for kneelers. If you don't like descents, you can use the cable car. Therefore, this hike is suitable for the general public in terms of both difficulty and safety. Of course, the only thing that can probably surprise you is your own condition when climbing the Poľana saddle. And keep in mind, as always in Chopok, that if it's 20 degrees in the valley and a pleasant summer day, then on the ridge the wind can change this idyll and you'll freeze to the bone. Therefore, even on an ideal day, if you are going to the ridge, it is advisable to have one warmer jacket in your backpack.
It took us about 3,5 hours without going down, with a break for taking pictures and picking cranberries. For us, such a pleasant hike in Demän, which can be completed by probably every healthy person with an average condition.
The whole route here:
