Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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44.37180°N / 15.44130°E |
Route Type:
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Hike |
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Time Required:
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Half a day |
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Difficulty:
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Walk-up |
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About Route
This is a classic Veliko Rujno approach. It begins in Milovac, 2km behind Starigrad Paklenica in Rijeka direction. From the main road it is some 500m uphill to the center of Milovac, which is small village just above the coast of Velebit. On the small ‘square’ there is room for few cars. Rock, rock and more rock is main characteristic of lower half of the route. Upper half is not too much different, it is just that all the rock is partially covered by pines, hornbeams, ashes and oaks. Every year, on August 15th, a procession goes from the coast to Veliko Rujno and Virgin Mary church, which is placed in the middle of the field. Route is very hot in the summer so it is better to start as early as possible.
Milovac – Veliki Vaganac – Veliko Rujno: 2.45-3h
Behind last houses path begins to ascent steeply. Around is only rock with some bushes, no shade at all. After some 20mins you reach first step of the lower half of the route. Till the pass at half way point there several such steps. View towards Velebit channel and Ravni Kotari county behind expands all the time. Soon you see islands of Zadar archipelagos further behind. After some 1.15h from Milovac you are on the pass at 550m where is tiny chapel.
One more look towards the sea before continuing because from this point it won’t be visible soon. Behind the chapel there is a slight climb behind which you enter somewhat different world. Suddenly there is much more greenery as you enter Veliki Vaganac field, one of many such on the seaboard slope of Velebit, 10mins from the pass.
In next 20mins you’ll cross the field going over meadows and through groves. Ascent begins again. In many sharp bends path winds up some 50mins till next tiny chapel. Now you are on the edge of flat Rujno plateau. In front is mighty Vuserujna.
In some 10mins over rocky terrain and by few houses you’ll reach grassy spaces of Veliko Rujno. After 20mins of easy flat walk, by few houses, with beautiful views towards the peaks in front, path takes you to Virgin Mary church at the center of Veliko Rujno.