Window on Niksic

Having seen this saddle-shaped mountain from the first time I climbed Prutas, it had been my desire to climb it, although I was worried about being able to find a path. There is a path, but somehow it is a bit challenging to follow because of many goat paths, but it isn’t dangerous as long as you are sensible. From the parking area at the high point of the road going along the southern edge of Durmitor, the path leads directly up the mountain, and then takes a left, following the same rough level going all the way around the nearest of these two peaks. Once around, the path leads downwards into the centre of the saddle and then there is a grassy climb up to the ridge on the second peak, right of the sheer rocky cliffs. Following the ridge upwards, there are a few tricky parts where care is needed, and then the path passes to the southern side until the path turns upwards for the last climb. Excellent views of Mt. Sljeme opposite. Return by the same route.

 For anyone thinking of visiting Montenegro with children, I thought I would share some of the things I found for my nieces, with information correct at the date of publishing and with some idea of how successful the activities were. Beaches – apart from Plavi Horizonti (near Radovici) which has a sandy beach (€3 for parking), most of the beaches that were not completely packed were rather disappointing. These were mainly on the Bay of Kotor , and scored low because they were dirty, slimy rocks or just had a concrete area for sunbathing. We were too far from Ulcinj, and were trying to avoid the crowds of Budva. Swimming – the Aqua Park in Becici at the Hotel Mediteran (can’t remember the price www.hotelmediteran.info/eng/index-2novi.html ) was a great hit, with plenty of water slides and a nice swimming pool. I think we could have done this several times without it becoming boring. Also my youngest niece loved swimming in Lake Skadar half-way through a lake cruise,...