Vipava at Steske (Pekel gorge)
In the narrow Pekel section of the Vipava valley, below vineyards, a weir by a nicely restored mill deepens the river to about 4 m. The deepest spot is a bend with large boulders next to the suggested parking place; downstream the bed is covered in big pebbles and upstream it gradually shallows. Underwater plants are plentiful and visibility is good at low water, but the many fish are very shy. The bed also holds debris from a former tool factory and the First World War.
Facts
- Region: Slovenia – Lakes, Rivers & Caves
- Area: Vipava valley & Karst (Škocjan)
- Depth: 0–4 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: drift, channel
- Coordinates: 45.88348, 13.76165
- Highlights: weir and restored old mill, large boulders in the deepest bend, lush underwater plants, shy fish, water fleas, remains from an agricultural-tool factory and WWI
- Tips: Leave the Dornberk–Branik road by the Branica bridge, drive through Steske to the mill and about 300 m further on a narrow field track until the valley opens; park there. Banks are mostly steep above and below water – inspect your exit point before the dive; the easiest entry is by the big tree next to the parking place, or at the mill. A short loop to the mill and back takes ~30 min; a longer dive up to ~1 km upstream takes about 2 hours (snorkel useful). Dive at low water; current is stronger at the weir. The SPZ sheet dates from 2012; river gravel, banks and access roads may have changed since.