From Velës to Velës
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 4.51 mi
- Elevation gain
- 305 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Difficult
- Elevation loss
- 3,629 ft
- Max elevation
- 3,831 ft
- TrailRank
-
51
4.7
- Min elevation
- 500 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Time
- 5 hours 29 minutes
- Coordinates
- 445
- Uploaded
- April 30, 2013
- Recorded
- April 2013
near Velë-Vend, Lezhë (Albania)
Viewed 2792 times, downloaded 37 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
We found a trail from Rrëja e Velës to the main summit of Mali i Velës, the widely visible mountain behind Lezha town. We had climbed Mali i Velës before, from the village of Kalumet, from where a path leads to the weatherstation on the northern end of the main Velës Ridge. Then there was no time to continue to the main (southern) summit. Now we got serious about it.
To cut a long story and a long hike short, we did find a trail - but it it remains a tough hike. The ridge south of the main summit is 2.8 kilometer long, and for the most part is of karstic rock which can make for uncomfortable and slow hiking. To reach the ridge, you have to hike for 4.5 kilometer through terrain that is not always straightforward. The return hike makes for a total of 14.6 kilometer with a total of 1200 meter elevation gain and loss.
The reward is great. Velës mountain is standing by itself, close to the Adriatic Sea, and affords views in all directions. Though we hit a rather hazy day, we could see Rumoja Mountain in Montenegro, the snow covered Albanian Alps, Munellë Mountain, Gallicia near Kukes, the Crown of Lure, Mali i Dejes, Mali i Snojt, Mali me Gropa, and the "front range" near Tirana (Dajti Mountain, Kruja Mountain etc).
For those seeking variety, you may ascend by a shorter bushwhack to the main ridge. The bushwhack is steep (more than 60% in spots) and exhausting, though not exposed. The pleasure to emerge on the summit ridge free of vegetation is enormous.
There is very little water, if any, on Velës mountain and the hiking routes. Since you start close to sea level, the mountain can get very hot in the summer, so an early start is advised; or better do hike during the cooler season.
To cut a long story and a long hike short, we did find a trail - but it it remains a tough hike. The ridge south of the main summit is 2.8 kilometer long, and for the most part is of karstic rock which can make for uncomfortable and slow hiking. To reach the ridge, you have to hike for 4.5 kilometer through terrain that is not always straightforward. The return hike makes for a total of 14.6 kilometer with a total of 1200 meter elevation gain and loss.
The reward is great. Velës mountain is standing by itself, close to the Adriatic Sea, and affords views in all directions. Though we hit a rather hazy day, we could see Rumoja Mountain in Montenegro, the snow covered Albanian Alps, Munellë Mountain, Gallicia near Kukes, the Crown of Lure, Mali i Dejes, Mali i Snojt, Mali me Gropa, and the "front range" near Tirana (Dajti Mountain, Kruja Mountain etc).
For those seeking variety, you may ascend by a shorter bushwhack to the main ridge. The bushwhack is steep (more than 60% in spots) and exhausting, though not exposed. The pleasure to emerge on the summit ridge free of vegetation is enormous.
There is very little water, if any, on Velës mountain and the hiking routes. Since you start close to sea level, the mountain can get very hot in the summer, so an early start is advised; or better do hike during the cooler season.
Waypoints
Tree
892 ft
02-Fushe (grazing area)
27-APR-13 8:17:19
Panorama
1,020 ft
03-View to Summit
27-APR-13 8:26:12
Tree
1,283 ft
04-Fushe
27-APR-13 9:00:17
River
1,214 ft
05-River crossing
27-APR-13 17:35:30
Picnic
Intersection
Summit
Comments (7)
You can add a comment or review this trail
Really rewarding view! https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/from-veles-to-veles-4391970#wp-4391975/photo-2179476
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Difficult
This trail asks for some preparation, best an overnight near the village, as the terrain is less suitable for camping. Although village and mountain bear the same name there are no regular ascents done. The alpine meadows are below the ridge and the climb in karstic boulders doesn't lead to more grassy areas and is less fun. .
To find a way up is only possible with GPS- co-ordinates, as at first the path turns away from the direction of the summit and attempts at a straight- forward route met with steep ravines.
At the southern turning point are two farm steads where there is water from a pipe.
The ridge walk experience is rewarding, and the all round panorama is well worth the effort.
This is what concerns me, when the trail disappears. i don't have Gps Device. Probably have to follow markers and use common sense. https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/from-veles-to-veles-4391970#wp-4391975/photo-2179475
Hmmm...not a cow, horse, donkey, bear, wolf, mountain lion, what could it be? https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/from-veles-to-veles-4391970#wp-4391977/photo-2179482
What happens if you slide down by accident? Can the trail be widen? My wife may not like this part, don't know... https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/from-veles-to-veles-4391970#wp-4391977/photo-2179484
There aren't any markers on this trail, and the trail is indeed not very visible, if present at all. Usually, it is best to follow the ridge. https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/from-veles-to-veles-4391970#wp-4391975/photo-2179475
On this particular trail, the eroded part is very short (about as long as what you see on the picture). Still, you should not slip, in which case you would fall or slide perhaps 10 or 20 meter.
Many trails in Albania have this type of condition, see for example
http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/imgServer.do?id=841037
Not really for beginners, but one can get accustomed to it. We found hiking poles helpful, for keeping the balance. https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/from-veles-to-veles-4391970#wp-4391977/photo-2179484