Plocno from Masna Luka

Approach

Drive to Dugo polje field from Jablanica, Tomislavgrad or Posusje (no public transportation available).

Depart from main macadam road between motel "Hajducke vrleti" and lake Blidinje towards main ridge (southeast).

Trailhead is Masna Luka, near franciscan church; marked path starts right from gate in fence; available parking space, water well in meadow on left side.

Height of starting point is about 1300 m.

Route Description

Cross the hill and descent to meadow with huts, then look on left side for marked path on meadow.

Path goes through forest with some clearings, then more and more steep upwards, passing by memorial plaque for deceased mountaineer. After about 1,5 h trail reaches undulating plateau at about 1800 m, and rocky north face of Plocno is visible.

Trail continues through undulating plateau, full of endemic flowers, and occassionaly opens view towards Plocno north face. On large meadow, about 2,5 h after start, marked path turns right (south) towards Plocno, while on left departs an unmarked path towards Veliki Vilinac.

Marked Trail continues on undulating ridge approaching final slope covered with scree and, probably, snow, which opens way to Plocno summit (recognizable by military building) between rocks.

There is visible trail through scree, but it can be partly hidden below snow cover which can last deep into summer. When you reach top of the ridge, Plocno summit (2228 m) with military building is just on right side.

In total, you need about 4 - 4,5 h for ascent, and just slightly less for descent.

After Masna luka there are no water wells on trail.

Essential Gear

Check for snow conditions. In normal situations crampons, ice axe and rope are not required. Good hiking boots are obligatory and walking poles can help on scree and snow.

It can be pretty hot there in summer, especially in middle part of trail (no wind, no shade on trail, few shaded places for rest). Be prepared and carry protection.

Take enough water with you. Last well is in Masna luka and military object on summit has very limited supply of potable water.

I don't have experience in winter conditions, but crampons and ice axe should be obligatory, while rope is probably not needed (trail is not exposed).

Red tape

The summit is occupied by military object, now of minor importance. We were welcomed by soldiers and official stamp of the peak is kept in the building.

The whole area is part of a Nature park Blidinje and includes many protected plant species ("natural botanical garden). Please take with you only photos and impressions!

For car addicts

If you really don't have time for climb, but have 4x4 vehicle or any vehicle with somewhat higher clearance, you can drive through road on southern slope all the way up to Plocno summit.

If you drive through main macadam road from Posusje / Rakitna, after few km when view opens towards mountain, there is a wooden sign for right turn with inscription "PLOCNO / BARE". The road should be about 18 km long (if anyone has exact information, please let me know).

When approaching from lake Blidinje, main road passes Barzanja village (with church) and goes upwards with large field of Svinjaca at right side, then goes through pass. Soon after pass you have to look left for mentioned wooden sign.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

Images

View Plocno from Masna Luka Image Gallery - 8 Images