Tanvaldský Špičák: a steep climb and a cackling welcome

Autumn colours, with a spot of dodging cyclists

Autumn leaves all around, views through the trees and enough uneven ground to keep us watching our step. Part of the climb took us along a mountain-bike trail. The lifts weren’t running, but that hadn’t stopped a few cyclists. They came flying past, and our peaceful walk briefly turned into a game of dodge-the-bike.

Táňa was shrieking, Veronika was in tears, and the rest of us were stumbling, falling over and getting up again. A relaxing family day out, then. We walked part of the way up the ski slope and kept going. The lodge certainly wasn’t going to come down to us. Next time, we’ll stick to a walking trail: much easier to enjoy the autumn colours when you’re not listening out for bikes behind you.

A warm welcome. From a witch.

We made it in the end. Chata Špičák was decked out for autumn, complete with witches. One stood right beside the entrance, looking for all the world like an ordinary decoration. We had badly underestimated her.

Whenever someone walked past, she let out a “hee-hee-hee-hee!” and they jumped out of their skin. Some flinched, some leapt backwards, and some looked ready to find somewhere else for lunch. We sat there watching and laughing. The poor new arrivals had no idea there was a show on at the door, let alone that they were about to star in it.

A meal, a rest and live entertainment: quite a reward for the climb. We took a few photos with the witch, too. The women posing beside her were much friendlier.

A meal worth the climb

Then came the food. And this bit is no joke: the cooking at Špičák is excellent. It was one of the best meals I’ve had anywhere in the area, followed by some lovely cake. We ate so well that words failed us. All we could manage were happy noises.

We sat back, recovered from the climb and watched the witch claim her next victims. The hill could wait outside for a while.

Full stomachs, downhill all the way

Then it was time to head back down towards home. The autumn slopes were still looking their best, and we stopped for more photos together. Now we knew what was waiting at the top: a very good meal and a witch who really knew how to make an entrance. Or, rather, how to stop everyone else making one.

We came home with autumn views, a few stumbles and a story we’ll be laughing about for a long time. Špičák made us work for our lunch, then fed us well and gave us a good laugh. That’s a Saturday well spent.