Ljubelj - Spodnji Plot (športna zelo zahtevna ferata)

Access to starting point:
We drive to the border crossing Ljubelj, where before the tunnel we turn left towards Zelenica. Then we drive across a small bridge, and then we park on a large parking lot.

Path description:
At the beginning of the parking lot signpost for Stol, Vrtača and Dom na Zelenici point us on a wide cart track which starts ascending by the torrent. When a little higher the cart track turns left, we continue straight on the mountain path which continues through the forest and soon returns on a cart track. Cart track a little higher turns right and brings us out of the forest on a ski track of the former ski slope Zelenica. Next follows a short steeper ascent on a ski slope, and then the path flattens and leads us by the foot of the scree below Begunjščica.
From the marked path soon the path which runs on a transport road branches off to the right, and we continue on "road" to the nearby hut Koča Vrtača.
At the mountain hut, the road turns right, and we continue straight in the direction of the mountain path on Zelenica. A short time we continue below the former one-seater chairlift Zelenica II, and then the path starts ascending steeper on a slope, which is partly overgrown by dwarf pines. After few hairpin turns, we return on a transport road, on which we continue with a view towards the gully Šentanski plaz.
The path ahead leads us on slopes of Spodnji plot (peak, on which they made a sport climbing path), after that from the road we turn right on a footpath which cuts a longer turn. When we return on the road we are already at the upper station of the former one-seater chairlift Zelenica II, and to the mountain hut Dom na Zelenici separates us only few steps of descent.
From the mountain hut Dom na Zelenici we continue right towards the northeast and we follow the signs, which lead us towards the starting point of climbing paths. At first, we walk on grassy slopes where the footpath isn't well visible and then we come on steeper slopes on the south side of Spodnji Plot. Next follows crossing of the steep slopes, which quickly brings us to the starting point of climbing paths.
At the starting point, we equip ourselves with a self-belay set, a helmet and climbing gloves. It is also recommended to use additional short rope for easier resting and climbing shoes.
Climbing path at first ascends diagonally by the steel cable (difficulty to B/C) and then turns to the left and becomes significantly more demanding. Next follows an ascent over vertical column (difficulty D), which brings us to a crossing.
Left leads an easier path (learning secured climbing path), and right harder (sport very demanding ferrata). In case if we decide for the harder we continue to the right and few meters with the help of steel cables we cross a vertical wall. Next follows a very demanding vertical ascent on a smooth wall (difficulty E). After that, the path crosses the wall to the left (difficulty D) and then again ascends right upward (difficulty D/E). This is followed by a shorter overhang (difficulty E). Difficulty then slightly decreases and further, the path for some time crosses a slope to the right (difficulty B/C). In the last part, the path turns to the left and then follows the final slightly overhung ascent (difficulty E). The secured path then ends, and to the top we have only few steps of walking.
We descend on an undemanding path on northwestern side towards the mountain hut Dom na Zelenici.
The described path is extremely demanding and is currently the only so demanding path in Slovenia. The path is appropriate only for climbers and experienced mountaineers, who are well physically prepared because for the ascent a great strength in arms is needed.
Altitude difference of the climbing part is 90 meters, and estimated time of climbing 45 minutes.

On the way: Koča Vrtača mountain hut (1288m), Dom na Zelenici mountain hut (1536m)