GLEDIC MOUNTAINS (Veliki Kremenac 657 m)

Veliki Kremenac is one of the many peaks of the Gledic mountains. Although the trail is marked well, there is no signpost to the top. So, I climbed at the highest point in the surrounding, in the forest.

The trail starts at monastery Sarinac (14th century). This monastery is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord. According to tradition, there were three sisters: Dena, Sara and Rala. Each of them founded one monastery. That is how the monasteries Denkovac, Sarinac and Raletinac were created, all in the 14th century. In each of these three monasteries, one of the sisters lies.

On your way to Sarinac, you must pass the town of Kragujevac first. From Kragujevac, follow the road to Jagodina. From the main road, turn in the direction of the signposts, for these three monasteries. The distance between Belgrade and Kragujevac is two hours. Sarinac is at half an hour of drive from Kragujevac. A total of 135 km, from Belgrade to Sarinac.

The last signpost for Sarinac monastery, directs you to a macadam road. You can drive that way, all the way to the starting point of this tour – the macadam road is ok. But, I left the car at the beginning of the macadam road and went, on foot, to the monastery of Sarinac, 500 meters far.

From the monastery of Sarinac, continue in the direction of the macadam road. After 500 m, you will reach the starting point of this tour. There is also a signpost.

Go uphill. The trail is marked well. Just follow the markings and the main macadam road and don’t turn anywhere. At the first lookout, you will see the hill Zezelj, above Kragujevac.

Just before the top, there is another lookout. You will see Kragujevac clearly.

After an hour and a half of walking, you will reach the highest point of this route, the top of Veliki Kremenac (657 m). There is no sign that points to the top, so you have to rely on your feeling and GPS, which will show you the highest point. This should be Veliki Kremenac:

And there is another lookout.

From the top, you can return by the same path. Or continue further, to the monastery Manastirak. The path to the monastery is also well marked. The monastery is dedicated to St. Nicolas. It was built in the 15th century. From Veliki Kremenec to Manastirak, it takes about an hour and a half of walk. Pay attention at this place – here you must turn right, onto a forest path! There is also a signpost, but maybe you will not spot it.

In less than half an hour, you will arrive at the monastery. Nice and quiet place.

The return is by the same path. When you return to the starting point of this tour, at the signposts, go to the Raletinac monastery, 500 m far. The monastery is dedicated to St. Peter and Paul.

This tour is not so attractive, but you will see another peak of Gledic mountains. There are two lookouts on the trail, and the road to the top is not marked. The tour is 29 km long, with a total ascent of 700 m. I crossed it in less than 7 hours. So it can be a nice fitness preparation for some stronger tour.

August 2020.