Veljusa 3


Walking trail - village of VELJUSA - ROCK ISKAZNIK - FOUNTAIN ISKAZNIK - village of BELOTINO

The walking trail is of great importance because it starts at “Holy mother of God Eleusa” monastery in Veljusa. The trail offers an excellent opportunity to visit “Holy mother of God Eleusa” monastery in the village of Veljusa, which is one of the most important places in church, and cultural history of the Republic of Macedonia.

This part of the trail is fully penetrable, and abundant with rich nature, splendid relief, and pleasant air. The place is rich with diverse flora throughout the year. The trail is designed for rest, recreational, relaxation, research, and educational purposes.

Along a smooth climb up, the trail continues up to a place called “Iskaznik” under rock 'Iskaznik'. This place is convenient for visitors with good physical condition, and professional climbers, and lovers of rock-climbing. The trail is a typical forest one, and the mountain setting, enhances its beauty and makes it special in every season of the year.

There is diverse forest in the lower parts, and evergreens are predominant in the upper parts. The track is fully penetrable, and is used most often by the residents of villages Veljusa and Belotino, and due to its abundance in diverse fauna, it is frequently visited by hunters.

Further on the trail descends to the village of Belotino, and connects it to the village of Popchevo by asphalt road.

  • Flora and fauna:

The walking trail has diverse flora, fungi, and fauna. The grass flora is rich and allows collecting of diverse types of flowers, tea, and fruits. The lower parts of the trail are prevalent with deciduous trees including: betuala alba – birch; tilia sp. – linden; acer sp. – maple. The evergreens, present in the upper parts include: pinus sp. – pine; juniperus sp. – juniper; and thuja sp. - thuja.

There is also short stemmed forest including: raspberries, blackberries, currants, blueberries, dog rose. There are also different types of mushrooms: chanterelles – cantharellus; champignon- agaricus bisporus and parasol mushroom - Macrolepiota procera.

Fauna that can be spotted on the trail include: rabbits, wild boar, wolves and foxes. Among the birds that can be seen are: nightingales, pheasants, partridges, eagles and falcons, and there are also various kinds of insects.

  • Additional opportunities for using the trail (eco-tourism, rural tourism, herbal tourism, walking and jogging, mountain biking, alpinism).
  • The following rules should be observed when walking along the trail:
    • Always take waterproof clothing, even in mid-summer, and wear walking shoes or hiking boots. Wear a hat or cap and sun block in summer. Weather changes rapidly.
    • If lost or forced to stop because of bad weather, stay together and remain in one place. Find the closest shelter from wind and rain.
    • Stick to well-used paths, which will be indicated on the Park's hiking map and read the warnings on this map. Don’t take shortcuts and especially don’t wander into ravines.
    • Always take enough water, especially in summer, and food in case of a delay. Watch the weather and time, and turn back before you start running late or if bad weather threatens

TRACK TYPE: Ground