Tošč (1021 m)
© Mateja Gruden
To the “roof” of the Polhov Gradec Dolomites
The highest of all, which is what makes it attractive. Because it is never completely bare and remains wrapped in a blanket of forest, it is not the summit that offers the most spectacular views – although it would be wrong to accuse it of lacking views altogether: the Alps may be hidden behind the trees, but it nevertheless offers a fine view of the hills surrounding the Barje wetland (aka the Ljubljana Marshes) and on towards the Notranjska region. Not only that, but the route is a varied one that is constantly changing: growing broader and narrower, passing over terrain that is now soft and now rocky, now climbing steeply and now descending.
We propose climbing up to Tošč from Polhov Gradec by passing through Mačkov Graben (Cat’s Ravine), which is a lot more agreeable than its name suggests. A bubbling brook runs through it, providing a pleasant musical accompaniment as you walk in the shelter of the forest, along the edge of grassy slopes, past houses and increasingly isolated farms.
The route takes you gently up Mačkov Graben along an asphalt road along which very few cars pass. When the asphalt ends, continue on the macadam road, which then becomes a comfortable track that climbs slightly more steeply. Long bends across the grassy slopes bring you to the last farmhouse and a junction with paths leading off in three directions: take the one on the right, which descends gently towards the forest (after a while you will also see waymarks). The path soon takes you onto the typical rocky and sandy terrain of the Polhov Gradec Dolomites and then back into the forest before emerging onto a small level area where you will see the Gonte agritourism farm (open to visitors at weekends). Various signposts direct you to the left, towards Tošč (Polhograjska Grmada is on the right).
Climb the narrow track to a wide, gently ascending forest path, then turn off to the left onto another narrow track that climbs more steeply. This path passes along the edge of a ridge, over tree roots, well-maintained steps and rocks. From Mali Tošč, descend to a fork from where a marked trail leads towards the Mihelčičev Dom mountain hut in Govejek. Here the path starts to climb again and leads to the summit of Tošč.
Descent
Same route as the ascent.
Tip
If you wish to extend the excursion, you can return to the starting point via Polhograjska Grmada; from here descend to St Ursula’s Church and walk along the ridge past the “Pri Mehačku” gostilna to the car park at the bottom of Mačkov Graben.
Starting point
Polhov Gradec – macadam car park by the road at the start of Mačkov Graben (approx. 21 km from the centre of Ljubljana); to reach it, drive through the old part of Polhov Gradec past the manor house (Polhograjska graščina) on the Polhov Gradec–Sv. Ana road; turn right at the sign indicating that you are leaving Polhov Gradec. The car park is a little further on. Set off from here along the asphalt road.
