Experience

Richard and Hanne from Norway, hiked in September 2015. This what they said:

Hi Vlatko!

I take the opportunity while we wait for Darko to pick us up here in Stari Bar to thank you for your services and for your choices for this trip. We have experienced a great variety of tracks, villages, flora and settings from the coast, via the mountains, lake Skadar and back to the sea.

It has been a fascinating walk along abandoned routes and deserted villages, as well as lively urban and rural areas. We send many thanks to the people of long ago who spent so much effort to create these paths, and to your and others who have cleared and marked them for use in our time. We encourage Montenegrins to continue this work, to make them accessible for use in new ways, as a proud part of their heritage.

It struck me that some parts of the trails would, with some additional clearing, lend themselves to outback cycling. Not perhaps the goal of you and me, but this is a tourist segment that can be considered. The tracks will easily support the type of wear and tear that trail cycling would result in.

We noticed and appreciated the recent painting, and also the clearing of vegetation. We contributed in a small way by some additional clearing of loose branches as we went along, knowing that every contribution helps make life better for all users.

We had seldom any problems finding our way, thanks to the clear visibility of the paths themselves, and the maps, supported by the instructions. There were a few places where the map was inaccurate, in particular Day 3 to Lovcen, where the map brought us via a section that was not cleared, and at the top, but these were minor issues. (I took the liberty to make some minor corrections in red on the map at this part). May I perhaps suggest that you go for the more direct route to Monte Rosa, since the more western route is not very functional nor does it show the village life well. However, these are only minor things.

Staying with Balsa for two nights was a good choice. We had many good conversations with him about history and politics, and appreciated his suggestions for lunch and excursions.

A small point that you can perhaps improve is make it clear in the individual itinerary what to expect, both in the way of accommodation and the BB/HB details. Our disappointment in Monte Rosa was partly to lack of knowledge of what to expect, and perhaps also a language issue on the waiter, who seemed rude but perhaps was embarrassed not being able to speak English better. We expected to pay for dinner, as nothing was mentioned, and looked forward to a nice dinner in a fine restaurant after a sweaty walk, and were not happy to be ushered out into a dark, dismal side room and only allowed a very limited selection of courses. With better information this would have not been an issue.

We were otherwise content, and very happy with the very nice hotel here in Stari Bar, which is a prize after many days of walking and staying in rooms of more modest quality. It leaves us with a very favourable impression of the whole trip.

Best regards,

Richard

(cyclesanders@gmail.com)