Skrajny Granat to Krzyżne

This final dramatic stretch of Orla Perc can also be reached from ascending Granaty.
Essential map for this stretch of Orla Perc
 On summiting, this time follow the trail to the left. This immediately presents challenge as there is an initial awkward exposed  step around a small rock buttress. The trail descends steeply from here and presently you will reach a series of chains helping you to descend a narrow gash in the rock. Continue along the ridge from the base of here on the north side. Presently you will reach reach Granacka Przełęcz.
Contemplating the looming obstacle ahead!
Looking down onto the Buczynowa Dolina (Beech Valley)
Yet another challenge awaits!
Admiring the view to the Dolina Roztoki (Five Polish Ponds)
The trail then traverses around Orle Turniczk to reach a long ladder and set of chains. This allows the ascent towards the Niżnia Orla Przełączka. Next is a traverse of the edge of the Orla Baszta (Eagle Tower). At the end of this is a narrow, scary chimney descended with the aid of chains. The next stage involves contouring across Buczynowe Czuby. This really is not for the faint hearted as here are some north facing exposed steep slabs with an extremely narrow foot width ledge running horizontally across. The route involves slotting the right  side of you feet into it whilst clinging onto a series of loose hanging chains bolted to the slabs. This is exposed, tricky and not the best experience for vertigo sufferers.
Views across to the High Tatras
The trail then switches to face south and presents little difficulty until  Buczynowa Turnia. Ahead is a narrow loose path over the stones and rocky formations. This leads to a massive cliff edge with steep gully beyond. This is a difficult descent with chains once again to help. From this, the terror is not over as the next obstacle is a relatively tricky climb leading up a gully to Buczynowa Przełęcz (Beech Pass). Use the chains here to haul yourself up (expect aching arms the next day from this) but the good news is this is the last tricky section of the ridge. The last section is broad, grassy and offers superb views to over the Dolina Roztoki on your right to the High Tatras beyond.
 Getting that "airy" feeling on Orla Perc
Views over the Five Polish Ponds
Looking back at the ridge we have just conquered
The final easy stretch
However, don't relax too much because if you are planning on returning to Murowaniec Schronisko  hut and eventually back to Kuznice, as it is a long walk out taking almost 2 and a half hours just back to the hut itself. Thats why it is crucial to bring plenty of water. In summer, also check the forecast carefully as you will be very exposed to a potential thunderstorms for a long time along this route.
 The walk out is long - but pleasant. Look out for marmots

An alternative descent would be to follow the yellow trail down into the Dolina Roztoki which then connects to the green trail which ultimately joins the red route used by Morskie Oko trekkers. You will wind up at the car park where many minibuses await to take you back to Zakopane.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Skiing

Orla Perc - Tatra Terror!

Granaty