The Loka Trail is a long-distance circular hiking trail, consisted of 12 stages
The Loka Trail is a long-distance circular hiking trail, consisted of 12 stages
The trail runs through the most beautiful, culturally diverse and scenic part of the Škofja Loka, Cerkno and Idrija hills. The trail runs along the hilly region and takes you over the ridges with views all the way to the Alps on one side and the Ljubljana Basin on the other.
The trail starts and ends in Škofja Loka. One-day hiking stages are between 8 and 25km long. Each stage takes 4 to 7 hours to walk. The average difference in height that a hiker covers on each stage is 600m.
The Stages
Most of the stages of Loka Trail are designed for staying overnight night before and after each stage. You can walk the entire route or choose a part of the route and connect the stages; or decide to do only one stage. The route runs near villages and settlements or through them. Hikers can refresh themselves on certain parts of the route, and buy food or homemade local products. The Loka Trail connects mountain lodges, inns and other supply points.
The Markings
The trail is marked with direction indicators and blazes along the way. The letter L is most often added to Knafelj red-and-white markings. There is an information board at the entry points of individual stages which includes the Loka Trail sign, the stage number and general information about the stage. Each stage is also equipped with a designation of complexity level based on the length of the trail, the difference in altitude and time needed to finish the stage. The majority of the Loka Trail is suitable for families with children.
The Route
The route runs along reinforced hiking trails, with a smaller part on macadam and forest roads and local – village roads. The route avoids any demanding areas and runs in a such a way that hikers are not required to have any special mountaineering knowledge. It is possible to get off the route in more than one location and safely go down to the nearby settlements or roads. The complexity of all stages is also marked.