Hiking to Sivý vrch (Gray hill) in Western Tatras, Slovakia

The hike to Gray hill was my first alpine hike in 2020. Sivý vrch is located in the Western Tatras. I have never been to the Western Tatras before and this year I decided to change that. I have to admit that I chose this tour first because it seemed easier on paper and suitable for warming up.

In the morning, after a little wandering, I come to the parking lot of Bobrovecká limestone. I'm looking forward because the parking lot is almost empty. I prefer when I meet fewer people on tourism. I'm taking a bag and I'm leaving.

I slowly climb the asphalt road. I pass cottages of various types. It will probably be an interesting chat area. Soon I enter the forest and a steep climb comes. It's warm and the sun is rising in the sky just as I am climbing the hill. I am glad that I am walking through the forest, where the shadows of the trees protect me from the warm rays. My suspicion from the parking lot was confirmed. I do not meet a living soul in the forest. I enjoy the trip by taking pictures of everything I like. The meadow flowers are beautiful.

This woodpecker also came to show me.

I fully enjoy peace, tranquility and nature. I meet the first people only at the cottage I pass. He was probably the owner too. I think if I came back the same way, I could have a snack here.

I'm finally entering the cypress tree and I have the first views ahead of me. Isn't it beautiful here?

I dig through the conifers and admire the surrounding nature. I have Ostrá hill in front of me. Climbing this hill at an altitude of 1764 meters above sea level can really take time. But when I want to get to Gray Hill, I have to overcome this obstacle.

As I descended, I found that I did not have to go up at all, because people made a shortcut off the hiking trail.

I continue. Walking in rhododendrons is difficult. Many tourists obviously do not go this way, because it is quite overgrown here.

And here I am! Gray hill. Finally! I am happy. I sit down. I have to breathe a little from the last climb. I choose something to eat and enjoy lunch while looking at the surrounding mountains.

I'm not alone on top. There are three different paths, so people have run from different sides.

I take pictures of the views that were definitely worth the effort.

I decided that on the way back I would go the other way, over Babka hill.

I'm going across the ridge on the ridge. It disappears over time and I walk as if in a meadow. The sun is warming up and I'm almost finishing my second 1.5 liter bottle. There is nowhere to hide from the flood. I'm also starting to regret a little that I didn't come back down the same path.

From the top of Babky I have a beautiful view of the whole Liptov. I did well to go here. I'll sit for a while, look around and move on. I want to get to the forest as soon as possible and hide from the sun.

From the top there are two paths across the meadow. It's pretty badly marked here and after a few tens of meters, thanks to the GPS, I find out that I chose the wrong one, of course. I have no choice but to go back.

I finally entered the forest from the meadow. I don't have any water anymore, but luckily I found a well and I can refill the water.

I'm going down. I listen as if someone is knocking on wood. Woodpecker. Who knows if it was the same one I met on the way up.

I liked the hike to Sivý vrch. It was unique mainly because the sim did not meet almost anyone along the way and I was able to fully perceive the beauty of nature.

Well thank you.

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