Put your best paw forward – walking with bears in Slovakia

The UK’s leading trekking holidays company, Walks Worldwide, working closely in conjunction with local study and conservation group Projekt Medved, has created a unique trip called ‘Walking with Bears’ in the High Tatras mountains of Slovakia. No other operator in the world is able to offer such an experience in the High Tatras of Slovakia.

The High Tatras are the highest mountains in the Carpathian Arc, which stretches from Romania to the Czech Republic. The range is small in area but they are very steep and provide the only High Alpine environment in Europe north of the Alps.

There are a number of well-marked tourist trails but the highlight of this new trip are the days spent off the trail, following animal tracks and ancient smuggling paths in the company of guides who know the region and wildlife inside out.

This trekking holiday with a big difference, provides the chance to walk not only in a spectacular mountain area populated by bears, but with the intention of seeking the mighty beasts on foot!

“Rather than sit in a hide for hours on end - the usual practice for bear-watching trips – the objective is to actively locate and observe (from a safe distance!) bears in their natural habitat, behaving naturally” said Walks Worldwide manager Mark Knowles.

This Carpathian wildlife walking odyssey commences in Poland and initially follows recognised way-marked trails across the High Tatras, descending into Slovakia. Reaching the Ticha, the group will be joined by a Park Ranger who will take the group ‘off piste’ and walk amongst the mountains and valleys in an area where tourists are usually forbidden.

This unique opportunity is restricted to a maximum group size of eight people, to minimise disturbance. Walking is graded as demanding, hiking at altitude in mountainous terrain for up to 9 hours per day.

The one-off trip departs on Sunday 14 August and costs from £985 pp (land only). This includes ground transportation, 7 nights’ accommodation, most meals and the services of and expert walking and wildlife guide.

For more information, visit: walksworldwide.com