Mountain Trails [#15] - Leskowiec

The range of the Beskid Mały mountains, although quite small in terms of area, has a lot to offer, even to the most seasoned tourists. The most frequently visited peak of this range is Leskowiec (922 m above sea level), which rises above the village of Rzyki. This picturesque summit is closely associated with the figure of Karol Wojtyła, who visited it numerous times during his school years.

One of the more pleasant options for reaching Leskowiec is to create a loop starting and ending at the Chobot estate, which is a hamlet of the village Ponikew.

- Journey time is about 7 hours, depending on the tourist's fitness level,

- Following the yellow, blue, yellow, black trails,

- Total ascents: 1063 meters,

- Highest point: 922 meters above sea level,

- Trail length: 22 kilometres,

- No difficulties, no artificial aids, the trail is well marked.

We begin our hike at the parking lot by the Czartak Camping Centre, from where we will make our way to the summit, following the yellow trail the whole way. Initially, it leads us on asphalt between houses, but luckily this doesn’t last long – after the first kilometre, we finally enter a forest path. The trail is quite pleasant; after moments of steep ascent, we can rest while walking on the flatter sections. It’s worth looking around carefully, as among the tree trunks, you can find charming little chapels and resting places with wooden benches and tables. When we get high enough, glimpses through the trees reveal a vast Lake Mucharskie. After overcoming the eight-kilometre stretch of the yellow trail, we reach the PTTK Leskowiec Shelter, where after a short break, we can set off towards the much-anticipated summit – we will return to the shelter on the way back. Ahead of us is the final ascent, less than a kilometre separates us from reaching the peak. Although Leskowiec is mostly covered in forest, at the top we will find a wide clearing, a remnant of former grazing, which is also evidenced by the sheepfold still standing there today. The open clearing is one of the best vantage points in the Beskid Mały – right at our fingertips, we have before us: Beskid Wyspowy, Gorce, Beskid Makowski, Tatra Mountains, and Beskid Żywiecki. Once we have feasted our eyes on the mountain views, it’s time to relax in the shelter, which has been operating since 1932, where they serve delicious sour rye soup, bigos, and homemade cakes. If we are ready for the return journey, and still have some energy left, it is worth taking a hike up to the peak towering over the shelter, known as Gronie Jana Pawła II, where we will find a chapel. From the shelter, we follow the blue trail all the way to the Przełęcz Czesława Panczakiewicza, where, at the trail intersection, we turn right onto the yellow trail. The last kilometre is covered on the black trail. If the weather is not favourable during the hike, it’s advisable to bring trekking poles with you.

The expedition to Leskowiec can tire even the most battle-hardened tourists – after all, over a stretch of 22 kilometres, we ascend more than 1000 meters, which can be felt in tired legs the next day. However, it’s worth undertaking this effort, if only for the views from the summit.

If you enjoy interesting facts, I can reveal that Leskowiec used to have a completely different name, namely Beskid. And what is the reason for this change? You can read about it on the PTTK Leskowiec Shelter website.

Author of the text and photos: Ewa Bandyk