Bikepacking the Julian Alps: Day 3 - Stol summit to Moznica Valley

This is a four day bikepacking trip which leads you through the Julian Alps. The route contains some steep climbs and technical trails. Nevertheless, it can be done self-supplied with light backpacking equipment and wild camping.
No doubt, the third day is the most challenging and strenuous but also most rewarding. It starts at the Stol mountain then goes down to Kobarid and climbs up to the Planina Zaprikaj. Over exposed paths the route leads to a fantastic trail and climbs then into a lonely and scenic valley.
Starting at the plateau under the Stol mountain, the route first follows the mountain ridge and then goes into a wild and not very well maintained trail (S2). Though technically not too challenging there is a lot of loose gravel and overgrowing trees and branches forcing you to get off the bike in several sections. The trail spits you out at the small village of Staro Selo. The route shortly brings you to the tourist town of Kobarid with all services available.
The next major climb starts up the valley to the Planina Zaprikaj. Again very scenic, and with remainders of WWI relicts. At the end of the road a very exposed trail section starts to bring you to Planina Golobar. It ends with a very steep climb to the Planina. From there, a flow trail starts (S1-S2). Unfortunately, the flow trail ends in a steep trail section with sharp switchbacks (S3) which is hardly rideable with full bikepacking equipment.
The trail ends at a bridge over the Soca river. The next climb on a paved road starts. The scenery here is amazing and turning into a gravel road, the route goes up the lonely Moznica valley. Surrounded by steep walls, there a plenty of nice spots for camping here. Note that the last chance to get water is when you leave the paved road.
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Safety information
The trail after Planina Zaprikaj is very exposed and slippery, even when you push or carry the bike. There are sections which require to take off the equipment from the bike to cross exposed sections. Be careful and well aware of the risks here, or spare out this section of the route at all.Tips and hints
Unfortunately, most roads inside the Triglav national park are restricted for bikes. That is even the case for some paved and gravel roads which are open for cars. Be aware that a large portion of this bike route will be on such restricted roads. Access it on your own risk.Start
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