Kamacnik Canyon

The Kamacnik rises from a cave spring in the hills above Vrbovsko and runs about three kilometres down a narrow wooded canyon to join the Dobra, and the walking route follows the water the whole way on a path with wooden bridges crossing from bank to bank where the rock closes in. The water is clear and cold and holds trout. The canyon is dense beech and moss, so it stays cool in summer, and the spring at the top is the turning point of the walk - about an hour and a half up and back at an easy pace. It is one of the more accessible pieces of Gorski Kotar, which is otherwise serious walking country.

What you actually see

• A river out of a cave spring - the source at the top of the canyon.
• Wooden bridges from bank to bank - the path crossing where the rock narrows.
• Beech and moss throughout - cool even in high summer.
• About three kilometres each way - an easy walk by Gorski Kotar standards.

When to go

May to October; the path is icy and closed in parts in winter. Three hours.

Honest expectations

The bridges are slippery when wet. The path is closed after heavy rain and storms bring trees down. Facilities are a car park and a seasonal restaurant at the entrance. It is popular at weekends.

Nearby

Vrbovsko is next door; Golubinjak and Fuzine are west.