A varied circuit in the Beskydy mountains to the Kotlová ridge above Horní Bečva lake – 12 km
- Horní Bečva reservoir is a popular swimming spot in the middle of the Beskydy mountain area. Before taking a dip, consider heading up to Kotlová (869 m) mountain for a nicely varied circular walk, partly through the forest and then along the ridge line. Just below the mountain summit is an open pasture with a photogenic mountain hut that is occasionally open as a snack bar in a very scenic setting.
- If the snack bar is not open, the U Vaňasů restaurant in the skiing area above the reservoir is also a good refreshment option. The suggested circular route is 11.7 km long, with 340m of height to ascend-descend. The ascent path through the forest has some steeper sections to traverse.
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Directions
- Horní Bečva reservoir can be reached by bus from pod Radhoštěm. There is also a parking area near the lake
- From the bus stop/parking area take the footpath anticlockwise around the reservoir finishing by cross the dam to reach the Horní Bečva – přehr. hráz trail junction
- At the junction, join the YELLOW trail for 500m to reach the Horní Bečva – rozc. junction and here turn left onto the GREEN trail heading in the direction of Pod Kotlovou
- After a section on the mountain road, the trail steepens and enters the forest, emerging at the Pod Kotlovou junction after 3.5 km (the mountain hut/snack bar is a further 100m along the trail in the middle of the pasture)
- From the Pod Kotlovou junction, join the RED trail in the direction of Benešky
- After 3 km, just before the Benešky trail junction (and tourist shelter) take the BLUE trail sharply to the left and downhill
- After 2.4 km, pass the U Vaňasů restaurant and continue a further 1.1 km on one of the side roads back down to the reservoir area
