Trail nr. 2: Along the Rake – the Path of Idrija’s Natural Scientists

HIKING AND CYCLING TRAILS

The path along Rake is the only path in Idrija that offers a leisurely walk that doesn’t go uphill. It leads you along the left bank of the Idrijca River, past suspension bridges, from which you can admire the beautiful Idrijca River, to the dam at Kobila. It is no secret that the Rake water channel was built to serve the needs of the Mercury Mine. Already at the end of the 16th century, the Idrijca River was dammed at Kobila and the first rake was built – a water channel that fed water to the huge mining pumps called kamšt (pumping devices). Originally it led to the centre of the town, but today it only runs from the dam at Kobila to the Kamšt. The first dams were made of wood, but in 1776 they were walled with stone.

The nature trail along Rake reveals the varied rock structure, forest communities and special botanical features of Idrija. A turn off the Rake trail over a suspension bridge to the other side of the Idrijca River leads you to the Wild Lake. The trail is interesting in all seasons and in all weathers.

  • Starting point

    Main bus station

  • Length

    2.5 km (in one direction)

  • Walking time

    45 min (in one direction)

  • Difficulty

    easy, flat

  • Elevation gain

    13 m

  • Marked with blazes

    yes

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Attractions

Trail map

Trail description

Reaching the starting point: From Ljubljana, drive towards Idrija. In Idrija, turn left at the third traffic light towards the centre of Idrija and park at the parking lot by the bus station or post office. On foot, continue along the road past the sports ground next to the primary school. When you reach a fork, keep right on the path leading uphill and continue straight ahead to the Scopoli Memorial Garden and the mine buildings.

Trail description: Continue past the dismantled mine locomotives, where you will see the Rake water channel a few steps ahead, which you follow all the way to the dam at Kobila. The trail climbs slightly at the beginning and then runs flat to the end point. After about 2 kilometres, the path branches off towards the Wild Lake. If you want to see this natural attraction, cross the bridge and follow the signs. Otherwise, continue along the water channel and, after 50 m, you will reach the dam at Kobila. You return to the starting point along the same route.

At the dam at Kobila, you can continue along the well-trodden path towards Idrijska Bela, which is also signposted. The trail follows the left bank of the Idrijca River, ascending and descending. After about an hour’s walk, you will reach the Fežnar Bar in Idrijska Bela. Please be careful around the Strug climbing area because of the rocks crumbling from the steep walls of the climbing area.