For all of you who like the bora wind, fascinating views, architecture, history, cycling and rock climbing – the valley of Glinščica is the place to visit!
Once you reach the canyon of the valley a view of the Trieste bay opens up and you see the fantastic valley with the River Glinščica giving it its special shape throughout the centuries. Glinščica is one of the rivers that run into the bay. Its spring is at the village of Klanec (near Kozina) at the elevation of 412m and is making its way towards the sea on the karst ground, reaching the bay of Trieste. It is the only case of surface river system in the Trieste part of the Karst.
My walk began by crossing the karst woods, to reach the cycling/walking path taking you along the former railroad with all of its tunnels and bridges. I had a perfect companion with me – nature! I've listened to its story and time stood still. After a few kilometres of walking the trail through tunnels I've taken the right turn and followed the signs to Botač. You go down the winding wood path reaching the gorge of Botač, with a little restaurant waiting for you. I've almost given into temptation to have a cup of coffee and listen to temperamental Italian guests, but the call of nature was too strong and the green tea in my backpack did the job as well.
From Botač onwards I've followed the signs to Beka.
Another attraction. It's at Botač that we can see the difference of the ground, going from flysh to limestone. As the constant erosion of the limestone there are many pools, caverns and holes along the way, with many different animals living in them. In the 16th century many mills were constructed here and today you can still see remains of four of them. Along the Glinščica river there were around 30 of them in the 19th century. A sharp eye will notice where the water canals were made to give the mills the power needed to function.
For me, this is one of the most beautiful walking paths as it leads you along the peaceful, beautiful, lonely forest trail. Along the way some ruins will remind you of the life that used to be here. The circular road leads all around it and there you can soak in the history, which is present every step along the way. There's the pilgrim trail, the old Roman plumbing, railroad, trade road, mills and the Supet waterfall. There's quite a way to see the valley and I've chosen to walk the parts of the cycling/walking path and then from Botač followed the signs for Beka and from there you can go to the castle Socerb, if you don't (like me) return back to the valley of Glinščica. That's why I'm talking about a peaceful trail, as there are very few people here.
We could consider this a learning trail, as it has a really rich history.
And there's another reason for visiting the valley of Glinščica, especially if – like me – you like rock climbing. There's a climbing school here since 1929, established by Emilio Comici from Trieste. The climbing tradition has survived until today and is one of the most popular sports throughout the planet. For all who want to visit the climbing grounds in Glinščica or spend time in this natural resort I suggest to check into the
youth hostel Kozina by the name of
Ociski Raj.
We have to realize though, that we have beautiful nature at the palm of the hand, possibilities for recreation and many activities in nature and also to learn, discover, explore … Some spend a lot of time and money (it's up to you to decide which is more important) to visit such a natural pearl as is the valley of Glinščica. It's famous for its rock climbing and visitors coming here to climb. From spring to fall it's a popular destination to many climbers. With a special climate, views, everlasting smell of spring, life, friendship … this is the place giving off a special energy. A homage to beautiful nature.
Marijana Meško
