Lepena and the Soca Valley

Today we had a request from some guests from Brazil to take them into the Lepena valley, one of the valleys that lead off from the main Soca Valley.  How is it that four visitors from Brazil on a fleeting visit to our country managed to discover one of the prettiest hidden gems in Europe?. It was only driving them into the valley that I remembered how beautiful it actually is.  Living here for the last 30 years makes you take things for granted and only seeing them through someones elses eyes, can you then appreciate, once again, the magnificence of the area.
I asked them what it was that made them want to go into Lepena valley, they told me the pictures sold it to them and the canyons, so here I have attempted to do the valley justice with a few photos. I don't believe anything can beat seeing it for real though.

Canyon at the entrance to Lepena valley

 This is taken from the bridge spanning the river Soca at the entrance to the valley.

 There is a path the whole length of the canyons and riverside from the souce (Izvir Soca) high up in the Trenta Valley down to Bovec, the tourist resort and sports mecca.

The Lepena valley has a couple of tourist spots, one is Camp Klin, a motorhome and traditional campsite open throughout the summer months, and Pristava Lepena, a tourist village of small bungalows and riding school.

Both of these places have excellent restaurants for lunches or dinners. 

This section of the river soca is very popular with anglers and only fly-fishing is allowed during the open season. The Soca trout, indiginous to this river, is the catch the anglers are after. One of the reasons this section is popular for fishing is  because this upper section of the river has less sporting vessels on the water. The licences can be bought at Kamp Klin.

   At the end of the valley where the road ends, the path starts for one of the most popular walks in this region.  This is an average walking time of 3 hours (uphill) to reach the Krn mountain glacial lake.  There is a mountain hut close to the lake where refreshments can be bought and if hiking over the whole ridge then overnight accommodation can also be found here but it is advised to reserve it in advance in the summer months. Most of the path is in the shade of the trees but on reaching the lake you will find it very exposed.  The lake is home to some small pyranah style fish, tadpole sized creatures that will nibble on anything so it takes a brave person to swim with them.

As with most high mountain hikes, it is wise to check the weather forecast before the start and also go prepared for walking in the mountains.  Many people underestimate the speed at which the weather can change. Essential equipment includes a very good walking map, proper hiking boots (not sandals) and at least water, if not some food too, waterproofs, first aid kit, compass, and mobile telephone are also very useful and although not essential, highly desireable that at least one member of your party has them. Again, it is always better to walk/hike in company rather than alone but not obligatory. ALWAYS tell someone where you are heading, which route you are taking and when you expect to be back by. If you lose the path or think you may have gone wrong, do not try to find an alternative route but double back and try and pick up the route you came by.  Enjoy the mountains and scenery but keep safe.