This is a demanding half-day hike, with a high elevation gain, and with many changes in trail colours. We take the yellow trail from the centre of Smolenice (225 m) to the turn leading to the castle with the blue trail markers. We use the paved road leading around the lake to Smolenice Castle. The blue trail continues up into the forest to the crossroads above Čertov gully, and further westward as a forest road. Continue to the crossroad of trails at Breziny. Turn right on the red Štefánik Major Trail, and continue to the right at the steep path leading through the forest to the ruin of Ostrý Kameň. The ruin offers a beautiful view of the surroundings, after which we continue up the rocky edge of the massive mountain up to Záruby (767 m). Behind the peak, at the crossroads, we turn right onto the green trail and descend to the crossroads above Čertov gully and further to Čertov gully gorge. Take a left turn at the blue trail markers under Čertov gully, and get to Hlboča crest valley through the meadow. This deep rocky valley leads us to Smolenice.

 

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