The E3 in Western Slovakia follows a series of ridges with many days involving total ascents of over a thousand metres. For this reason I found this part of the E3 strenuous as the ridge has many summits to climb up and down. Although much of the trail is through conifer forest, there are also long sections above the tree line, which in good weather give excellent views to the north and south. However good weather cannot be relied upon.
There are towns and villages on the route with accommodation, shops and restaurants namely Trstena, Zazriva, Strecno, Rajec, Bytca and Makov. Bytca and Strecno also have castles! However, on some sections it is necessary to use a mountain hut or wild camp.
Waymarking is generally good with signs referencing the E3 with timings to the next destination and stripes painted on trees in white and a colour, however there are a few sections where waymarks and signs dissappear so a GPS, phone App or map is needed. Trails are generally good, but forest tracks can be muddy and deeply rutted when there is recent forestry activity. Fallen trees also form obstructions. Trails often head straight up and down steep slopes and when wet can be exceedingly slippery.
The start of my walk through Wesern Slovakia is here.
The start of my blog on the E3 is here.
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