This hike is 11 km with 560 m ascent. It starts at the village Radovec (Radovets) and takes you to the beautiful Lake Gradec.
This hike started a bit different than we had hoped. We came by car from Tetovo and when we parked in the mountain village Radovec, it turned out that the car was leaking gasoline. It was a Sunday but a local called a mechanic from another village near Tetovo, who eventually came to our rescue. He was able to pinpoint the leak and fix it with a temporary solution. It was great how everybody tried to help us out, even on a Sunday!
So we started quite a bit later than planned, but luckily this was not a very long hike.
The hike itself is not particularly beautiful, but the destination, Lake Gradec was a real surprise.
There is a mountain house at the lake with BBQ facilities, according to Google Maps the house is named Shtepia Malore Draodacum (Mountain House Draodacum). It was closed though.
There are several tables for picnic as well.
Our intention was to make this a circular walk, but the planned alternative trail from the lake back to Radovec was not very clear. It was already getting a bit late and we were tired, so we decided to walk back via the same trail.
This hike gets 3 out of 5 stars.
You can view and download the GPS track of this hike here: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/rakovec-to-lake-gradec-in-shar-mountain-national-park-273019422
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