Skopje – Veles Lake (Gradishtanska M.)

Gradishtanska Mountain (Gradmanska Mountain , Gjurishka Mountain or Gjurishte) – a low and quite divided mountain that stretches in the SW-NE direction, between the lower course of Pčinja in the west and Ovche Pole in the east, in a length of about 30 km.

The highest peak is Gradishte or Gjurishte (861 m), then Venec (853 m), which is located in the central part, Golic (790 m) in the northern part and Crn Vrv in the southern part of the mountain. Due to the great dissection, there is no clearly defined mountain ridge, so its branches Venec, Gradiste, Golic and others are considered separate mountains.

Hydrographically, Gradishtanska Planina is distinguished by a large number of quite strong and abundant water springs and short mountain streams and rapids. The entire river and water network of the Gradistan Mountain belongs to the Aegean sea basin, i.e. the confluence of the Vardar and Pčinja rivers, and on this mountain is also the source area of the Otovica river, on which the artificial Veles lake “Mladost” was built. In the western part of the foothills of the mountain in Katlanovo near Pcinja, thermal springs of healing mineral water erupt, on which the famous Katlanovska Banja was built.

Tour:

Let’s blow off steam a little: roadbike light wheels, about 50 kilometers tour in one direction, and the choice was made. Skopje – Velesko Lake – Veles. When we researched this tour, most bikers on the net characterized it as a Roadbike tour (no big climbs, ideal asphalt, tours that are mostly driven over 20 km/h).

But it’s not quite like that. We depart from the Skopje city center, Dolno Lisice, Jurumleri and arrive in Katlanovo. Ideally past 25 km – we fly on the asphalt. But from Katlanovo, an ascent begins, although insignificant and surmountable with a Roadbike. We climb the Gradishtanska mountain, and pass the villages of Breznica, Letevci, Vetersko. We reach the highest point at the crossroads for the village of Letevci after 35 km. This is where the adventure begins: the road is degraded to such an extent that we are at the limit of the capabilities of our bikes: thin tires and no suspension on an offroad surface is a significant challenge. We drive at a significantly reduced speed because there is a high probability of slipping and injury.

Finally, after 43 km, we arrive 1.5 km from Veles Lake and take a final break at a lookout point before returning.

Our recommendation:

– If you are a fan of Roadbike and fast driving, this tour should end near the village of Letevci (35 km in one direction).
– If you are a fan of MTB, it is best to start the tour from Katlanovo (Katlanovo – Veles Lake 20 km in one direction).
– Bring water min. 2 l. per person (there is no possibility to replenish your supplies until Veles Lake).