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Veliki Rob

bagi2. 01. 2026 17:59:09

After a long time the peaks above Vipava Valley tempted us again nasmeh

. We've walked them many times and this time I chose Vrtovin as starting point, so not to repeat too much. We haven't started from this village yet, nor been to the nearby hill Školj Sv. Pavla. The choice was spot on, as there was something to see on the way. Interesting is the water tower, which with its size makes a strong impression, as well as the wide and panoramic Školj, which with completely renovated chapel Sv. Pavla can be a standalone trip for families with kids.

We continued with ascent to Srednječavenska path, which took us to one of the rockier accesses to the upper level and thus peaks. First was Sončni školj, also known as Veliki Rob and here finally came the snack time velik nasmeh

. Then followed the distant Kucelj, where it was blowing quite wildly. We didn't stop here, but quickly descended to the hut on Mali gori. From here the Pot koscev led us to the valley, which completely surprised us. We didn't expect such comfortable and soft paths on these slopes. It took us almost to Kamnje village, where we just turned to the traverse towards Vrtovin. We arrived at the start from the other side and a nice loop was closed. More in the photo story…

Coordinates of start (Vrtovin): 45.9003289N, 13.8158606E

Parking in Vrtovina near the eternal plots

The mild climate of the Vipava Valley is also evident in the vegetation

Winter lilies cheer up the cold morning :)

I'm not quite sure if it's abandoned or neglected

Throughout the path, personal markers accompany us, but they are not classic mountaineering ones

There are also quite a few information boards

Mountaineering mark on an interesting fountain with tap

In Lozarji we finally leave the villages and head towards Školj

There are several variants to Sv. Pavel. We choose the one past the water tower

The path is broadly cleared and well marked

A water tower over 10 m high, supposedly from Roman times.

Curiosity won't let me rest, so I inspect the interior.

On the inner wall hangs a plaque with data on restoration works

At the tower there are again two access variants to the top. We choose this steep one

The path levels out towards the top. Remains of the defensive wall are still visible

On the top and that on the most scenic part of Školj

A little further is the completely renovated church of St. Paul

Some explanations about Školj and the church

In the vicinity there are also quite interesting sculptures carved from smaller pieces of stone

A thousand and one signpost. We go left across the slope, where we find a path for descent

Interesting, even the forest is cleared of stones. Such piles are everywhere

We cross the forest road and continue the ascent

We are already on Srednječavenska, known for numerous benches. This time there are none yet

We go left anyway, this direction is not exactly easy either

Already in the first rocks the ascent is quite strenuous, especially since the sun is blazing with full force

The impression is completely high-alpine, although we are not even 1000 m high

The passages are marked because the numerous game trails can easily mislead

Veliki Rob. Here we take time for a break.

The path is familiar to us, as we have hiked it in numerous variants.

Towards Trnovski planoti there is a fine view, but Vipavsko dolino is already shrouded in mists.

We quickly leave Kucelj and at the first junction head towards Mali gori.

This is how they fight four-wheeled farts too. Money can't buy smarts for drivers anyway.

At the hut on Mali gori it's quite lively.

From the hut we descend along the mowers' path that we haven't walked before.

It surprises us with its comfort, which makes sense given its origin.

It is also zigzagged with numerous switchbacks and never too steep. Altogether it is about 3 km.

The starting signposts are much lower right before the village Kamnje.

We reach the village along a forest road that soon becomes asphalt.

Then we continue along a more or less level traverse to the starting point.

The sun has softened the muddy paths and traces of shoe washing

GPS track. We walked 19 km and 1300 elevation gain

(+10)

Tinca53. 01. 2026 19:04:30

Always interesting posts and some idea for me too😉.

(+3)

bagi4. 01. 2026 06:23:06

I'm glad, thanks. There will be more nasmeh

(+2)

malimiha13. 03. 2026 13:16:21

On Saturday 7.3.2026 I did the same loop. The weather was super and on top of that without wind. First time in this area and surely not the last time nasmeh