Transfer to the first hotel in Zvolen. Freshen up, have a wander around the town and the castle (if possible) and a good dinner in the town ready to start your walk tomorrow.

Žarnovica – Štiavnické Bane. A short taxi ride to the start of the walk at Žarnovica, a climb up onto the wooded ridge cutting through the Štiavnice hills to the village of Kopanice, then down to the first mining lake (“jazero”) at Štiavnicke Bane and your second night’s simple pension. (18 km, 5½ hrs, CUSs 575m) Alternative: start half way along (9 km, 2½  hrs).

Štiavnické Bane to Pocúvadlianske Jazero. More open country is followed by the first of our walks along "levadas". Some woodland walking follows before you begin the climb up to the summit of Sitno (1009m), the highest peak in the area before a gentle descent through the woods to your lakeside pension. (12 km, 4½ hrs, CUSs 300m)    Alternative: Possible to omit summit of Sitno.

Pocúvadlianske Jazero to Svätý Anton. A gentler walk today takes you along “levadas” to the village of Svätý Anton, dominated by its 18th century mansion. After a visit, stroll down the village street to your comfortable accommodation in a restored old pub. (9 km, 2½ hrs, CUSs 150m)

Svätý Anton to Banská Štiavnica. Two alternatives - both routes start through woods and lovely upland meadows to Banský Studenec. The energetic can then try a hilltops route, while others may prefer to head more directly for Banská Štiavnica, its remarkable 18th century hilltop Kalvária and the architectural glories of Slovakia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your hotel for the next two nights. (3½ hrs or 6½ hrs, CUSs 300m)

A Banská Štiavnica circuit. Two options again – for the student of middle European history, a chance to see the town and its buildings, and perhaps a trip down a mine, or for the not-yet-walked-out, a circuit in the hills north west of the town. (Various lengths of walk possible)

To Bratislava. Take the little train to Hronská Dúbrava and then the main line to Bratislava, for your afternoon and evening exploring the old town and castle, have a good supper and an excellent night’s sleep in your boutique hotel.