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Mała Łąka Valley

Mała Łąka Valley, with an area of approx. 5.7 km2, 5.4km in length, is one of the less frequented valleys in the Polish Tatra Mountains, though no less beautiful than the others. It is bounded on the east by the ridges of Giewont and Kopa Kondracka, and on the west by Małołączniak, Wielka Turń, Skoruśniak and Hruby Rygiel. The valley in the lower (northern) part has a V-shaped profile, while in the middle and upper part it has a U-shaped profile, and is a typical example of a post-glacial valley, with a three-story arrangement of glacial cirques. Wielka Polana Małołącka, with a length of approx. 1 km, is located at an altitude of 1150-1200 m above sea level and was formed on the site of a former glacial lake. Both the Glade and the entire valley were used for pastoral purposes. The first records of sheep and cattle grazing in this valley date back to the late 16th century. There used to be an entire shepherd's settlement of 15 buildings here, but none remain to this day.