Mount Triglav Ascent, Slovenia

The Julian Alps are the eastern outpost of the Alpine range that stretches across southern central Europe, and in this region the beautiful Soca River lies in the heart of these mountains, cutting a serpentine valley southwards into Italy where it becomes the Isonzo. These mountains formed the front line of what became known as the Isonzo Front, during World War One and from 1915-17, the Italians faced the Austro-Hungarians on a battlefield like no other - the high peaks and ridges of the Alps.

Today, much fascinating evidence remains of that conflict in the shape of lines of trenches, mountain-side caves and some poignant memorials to the fallen, high up near the peaks. Our trip is based in Triglav National Park, with its glacial lakes and rivers, hidden gorges, snow-capped mountains, alpine plateau and lush valleys, and includes the ascent of Slovenia's highest peak, Mt Triglav (2864m) as well as neighbouring Kanjavec (2568m). Triglav is extremely popular with Slovenes and visitors alike. It justifies its hype with fantastic cliff faces and an exciting route to the peak as well as being the centre of this impressive National Park.

The Park extends along the Italian Border and is also close to the Austrian border in the north-west of Slovenia. There is a healthy population of wolves, lynx and brown bears (although you are unlikely to see them) and the forests are home to red deer, roe deer and wild boar. Chamois and ibex can also be found in the mountains. Pine and beech martens are present, as are hares, badgers and foxes and there is a wealth of bird-life, including grouse and black grouse, birds of prey (golden eagle, buzzard, hawk, white-tailed eagle), owls (tawny owl, Ural owl, long-eared owl and eagle owl) and woodpeckers (green, black and grey).

Slovenia will enthrall you as you walk around the famous Soca Valley with its cascading turquoise waters, lush pastures, small hamlets, meadows with traditional hayricks, orchards and vegetable gardens dotted around Triglav National Park. Trip highlights include stunning panoramas of rugged peaks, lush valleys, deep gorges, the largest lake in Slovenia - Lake Bohinj, the 78m high Savica waterfalls and Lake Bled. This trek is very diverse and includes walking at high altitude on ridges where the weather can suddenly change for the worse and is mostly designed for good walkers with previous mountain walking experience.

However, for the seasoned walker with experience of big days on the Scottish mountains, this holiday provides a memorable challenge and will take you to a pristine area in one of the most under-developed parts of the European Alps. If you have never been to Slovenia this trip provides an ideal opportunity to summit the country's highest peak and embrace an emerging region before it becomes a prime destination.