*A circular route through the Břidličná nature reserve in the Jeseníky mountains: 18 km*
- The Břidličná ridge footpath (which runs through the protected nature reserve of the same name) is one of Jeseníky’s most popular and attractive walks. It deserves to be near the top of the list of places to visit in this beautiful north Moravian mountain region. The stunning granite rock formations and viewpoints along the ridge are well worth the climb!
- The ridge can be approached from various directions, including from the Ovčárna car parks below Praděd. However, a more rewarding – albeit more strenuous – option is to take a circular route starting from the Skřítek motorest car park (which is also connected by bus with Šumperk).
- The route outlined in the map below takes advantage of one of the many mountain roads that cross the hills to reach the western side of the ridge before climbing up steeply through the forest to reach the ridge on its northern side. The ridge can then be enjoyed as a gentle descent, with visits to various viewpoints along the way.
- The route involves around 800m of ascent and descent, none of which is difficult or dangerous, but this is a proper mountain walk and appropriate footwear and clothing are essential. There are no refreshment options along the way (apart from near the famous wooden Klepáčov church shortly after beginning the walk). The Chata Na Skřítku restaurant is available at the start and finish of the walk.
Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’ to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.cz site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.
Directions
- From the Skřítek car park, follow the BLUE trail heading towards Klepáčov, where the wooden Baroque Church of St. John of Nepomuk can be seen (map point 2)
- After viewing the church, backtrack 200m and take the unmarked track uphill to the left to climb up to the main road
- Turn left along the road and continue for 100m until reaching the Svobodínské paseky czcling signpost. There turn off the road and follow the green marked cycle path towards Vernířovice
- After 3.4 km reach the Vernířovice – u lípy junction and there turn right onto the YELLOW trail
- Follow the YELLOW for 1.9 km along the mountain road and then from the Kosaře junction more steeply uphill to reach the ridge after 3.7 km
- 100m to the left is the viewpoint and emergency shelter at Jelení studánka
- At Jelení studánka, join the GREEN trail which leads all the way back to Skřítek after 6 km
- Take the opportunity on the descent to visit as many of the rocky viewpoints as possible – the diversions are marked on the map above
