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Cycling

Mountain bike exploration of the hidden corners of the Kanalski Kolovrat Ridge and the valley of the Idrija River

A delightful tour for all mountain bikers seeking remote and secluded trails. This demanding cycling tour is routed through the remote hamlets on the Kanalski Kolovrat Ridge to the village of Kambreško. From there you will descend into the valley of the bordering Idrija River, which awaits rediscovery just like the Sleeping Beauty.

Start your tour in the town of Kanal and cycle in the direction of the town of Tolmin until you reach the village of Ajba. Turn left, pass the Napoleon’s Bridge and continue uphill along the gravel cart track until you reach the paved road which will take you to the village of Kambreško. When you reach the village you can replenish your water supply at the old trough next to the road and visit the Lukčeva hiša House a little bit higher in the village. There are numerous artefacts, books, documents and photographs displayed in this house showing the life on the Kanalski Kolovrat Ridge. Its specific feature is the preserved fireplace which made the house an ethnological monument. Descend from Kambreško in a pleasant shade into the valley of the Idrija River. If you would like to refresh yourself in the crystal clear and cold pool you have to slow down just before you reach the end of the descent and find a narrow trail on the right leading to a wonderful and pretty large popular pool. Cross the bridge leading to the Italian side of the valley when you reach the end of the descent. You can also refresh yourself in the Idrija River on the Italian side of the valley if you turn at the bridge and continue along the cart track on the right. Cycle along the Italian side of the valley towards the former border crossing Britof. Pass the Church of St. Cantianus and ascend to Britof where you can find the Okrepčevalnica Britof restaurant offering delicious dishes. Continue from Britof towards the village of Lig until you reach the turn for the village of Melinki. When you reach the village you can visit the rich ethnological-carving collection of Franc Jerončič. You will discover how life in the valley of the Idrija River looked like in the past, the period of the World War I and the numerous carving creations by Franc Jerončič. Continue your tour past the museum and along the cart track leading past the pastures. Below and all around you will be able to enjoy in views of the valley of the Idrija River, secluded hamlets on the Italian side of the valley and the mountains in the background. You will soon arrive to another pretty abandoned village of Kostanjevica and later to the main paved road. Continue to the hamlet of Gorenje Nekovo where the tarmac ends. Cycle along the gravel road routed in a in a pleasant shade of the forest which will take you to a junction which you reached on your ascent from Ajba. From here on descend past the hamlet of Potravno to Ajba and return to Kanal. You can refresh yourself in Kanal, turn to the beach between the bridge and Kamp Korada or visit the old borough centre Kontrada, Riko Debenjak Gallery, fishing exhibition or the Church of the Assumption.

Cultural and natural heritage along the tour:
- Melinki: Museum collection of Franc Jerončič
- Kanal: Park Pečno, Kanal Bridge, Riko Debenjak Gallery, Gothic House, Kontrada Square, Fishing exhibition, Museum Collection 1914-1917

Sacral heritage along the tour:
- Kanal: Church of the Assumption, cave with the Lourdes statue
- Lig: Marijino Celje Pilgrimage Centre (temple)
- Britof: Church of St. Cantianus

Other sights:
- Walk of Peace
- Connecting Path of the Three Temples
- Juliana Trail
- Juliana Bike Trail

IMG 20210618 163011IMG 20210618 172346IMG 20210618 194933IMG 20210618 185848

distance
33,4 km
elevation
1090m
time
5h 40min
difficulty
3/3