The Grove Cottages - Walking at Tara

Basic Facts about The Beskedy Mountain Reserve:

Beskydy Mountains are part of the Carpathians in Central and Eastern Europe, one of the most valuable ecosystems on the Earth that was included in WWF Global 200 list of world's most valuable and threatened ecoregions.

Beskydy mountains belong to Moravia and Silesia, eastern parts of the Czech Republic.

This region is protected by Protected Landscape Area designated in 1973. It is the largest protected area in the country covering 1160 square kilometers.

The importance of the area is emphasized by the existence of 34 specially protected reserves, 8 of which has the national importance.

Orchids and large carnivors such as lynx and wolf are the major wildlife attractions.

In addition to its natural value, the region is known by its Walachian culture with typical wooden houses, sheep grazing culture and mountain meadows, one of the richest in entire Carpathians.

Cultural heritage is protected in open air and other museums but some of the traditions are still being practiced by inhabitants of the mountains.

There are a number of areas within the forest that are highly protected and designated Primeval Forest.

 

Find Out More About The Reserve and Primeval Forest at these websites:

Birdlife.org

Beskedy Mountains info

Bird Forum

Wikipedia

Short detailed page on each location within the Nature Reserve

The Beskedy Mountain Nature Reserve stretches for miles around Tara, it has a varied kind of terrain from typical pine forest to beech and mixed tree forest as well as higher mountain scrub and meadowland.

In the centre is the Massive Sance (Shancer) reservoir which fills the steep canyon that once made this area so inaccessible.

There are still quite a few areas of the forest which are designated Primeval Forest : Virgin untouched forest, which have special guided tours - these are all just a few minutes drive away from Tara and almost unique in all Europe. These are very highly prized and cared for.

The areas of Primeval Forest contain not only incredibly old trees but their untouched condition has created environments where unique flora and fauna still exist.

This makes this whole area a magic and 'special' place full of wonders to be discovered, it would be a great idea to do a little background research before you come so that you can identify and cherish some of these unique sights and plants.

There are unlimited walks straight from Tara and I have provided lots of maps and information folders about walking and places to visit around Tara in the house.

The obvious first one would be the 3 mile forest trail walk to the top of the mountain where the Charbulak Hotel, bar and ski lift is.
 

This is Charbulak Hotel and the views to the Tara Mountains over the Beskedy Mountain Nature Reserve.

From here you can stroll along the little lane at at the top of the world with stunning views on both sides as it meaders past tiny farming comunities, old wooden churches and handy restaurants.


     

There are beautiful wooden churches and idillic wildflower meadows to explore.

       

Or you can strike out along any of the very many marked mountain trails or just make up your own - but take a compass and map if you do !!  This is a massive area and you could easily walk for a day without coming to a proper road.

                The walks straight from Tara are simply fabulous !