Lake Bled … and THE boat trip!

Next day I was up early and started walking the 6km circuit of the lake by 7.15, joining a collection of walker, runners, cyclists and dog walkers all with the same idea, keen to exercise before it got too hot.

I chose to go clockwise and the first section of path was parallel to the road, and slowly Bled island got closer!

The road then takes a different route leaving just the path to follow the lake round, past the campsite and the rowing centre and back towards the castle.

I was surprised to see water lilies and behind is the Straza slope, but more about that tomorrow!

I had worked up quite an appetite when I got back at 8.30 and so was delighted to see such an array on the breakfast buffet!

The homemade smoothies, and cream cheese with smoked fish were particularly delicious as was having fruit and salad for breakfast as it’s been a challenge to get our 5-a-day … but there was also cake!

One of the must-do activities here is to take a pletna boat to the island in the lake. These are flat bottomed wooden boats which originally carried pilgrims but today take tourists.

The boatman uses two long oars to propel the boat across the water so the crossing is steady and peaceful, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the view.

We moored at the South Staircase and climbed the 99 steps …

… to a small square with the Provost’s House …

… and the gothic Church of the Assumption …

… which was lavishly decorated inside.

The freestanding bell tower is 52m and while views from the top are limited …

… it houses an interesting pendulum clock and is very noisy when the bell chimes 12.00!

We then realised we hadn’t seen the wishing bell, and when we asked, found it had been right in front of us, a rope hanging down in the church … so I pulled and wished!

The pletna waits to takes us back …

… with some of the boatmen just chilling, many of them descended directly from the original 22 families who were given a charter by the Queen in the C18 to ferry pilgrims.

On our return, the temperature had risen, and at 30°, the best plan seemed to be to relax in the shade so we went to Grajska beach, the public lido just below castle rock where we were able to hire sun beds and an umbrella. I swam in the lake and it wasn’t as cold as I expected, perfect to cool down, then soaked up some rays a bit later when it cooled.

We had reserved a table at The Old Cellar for dinner, as recommended by the guesthouse, and were shown to our table in a lovely outdoor space. After sharing a salad to start, Chris had dumplings with beetroot and trout with potato salad.

We walked back reflecting on what a lovely time we were having in Slovenia.

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